Pregnant ewe mauled to death in out-of-control dog attack on North York Moors

Police have strongly reiterated their warning to dog owners after a pregnant sheep was attacked and killed in the North York Moors.

On Wednesday afternoon a sheep was mauled on moorland north of Danby, near Whitby, in what is believed to be a dog attack.

The ewe was in lamb, and its injuries were so severe it had to be put down.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Attacks on livestock have a huge financial impact, not to mention the distress that a farmer goes through by finding dead or dying animals suffering from horrific injuries.

“It is vital for the safety and welfare of livestock and dogs themselves, that owners keep their pets under control at all times. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences.”

Warning posters are being displayed in the area where the attacks took place, and police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Those with information are asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number: 12210071036.

Police have also urged dog owners walking on moorland to keep their pets on leads when near land containing sheep as "loose dogs, regardless of how well behaved they would normally be, can become uncontrollable very quickly."

Officers have also asked that dog owners living near livestock to ensure their dogs are kept secure when at home so they cannot get out of the garden.

A spokesperson said: "Sheep can easily be injured or killed, or if pregnant ewes are chased around a field by a dog it can cause the ewe to abort unborn lambs and later die itself due to medical complications."

North Yorkshire Police said a report in 2018 found one in ten attacks on livestock involve repeat offenders - owners whose dog had worried or caused damage to livestock before.