Renewed plea after sheep attacked by dogs in Shropshire

West Mercia Police are appealing for anyone with information after two Akita dogs were loose in the Sarn area of St Martins near Oswestry on Wednesday last week.

According to the police the dogs killed two sheep, attacked several others and distressed more sheep in the area.

Officers have been asking people in the area for information, showing them images of the dogs caught by CCTV camera.

There have also been other cases of sheep worrying in the county, sparking a general warning to owners to keep their dogs under control.

One incident in Frodesley, near Shrewsbury, did not see any physical injuries to sheep but owners are concerned there may be long-term effects.

Members of West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team for Shrewsbury Rural South and West issued the warning.

A spokesman said: "Although there are no known physical injuries to the sheep at this time, it is unknown if any of the pregnant ewes will have any long-term issues.

"The incident has been investigated and fortunately, a satisfactory outcome has been finalised to resolve the investigation.

"However, in many incidents the owner of a dog causing the sheep worrying remains unidentified resulting in the farmer having to make a claim on his insurance and the incident never being resolved."

Officers said that throughout the spring more and more ewes will be giving birth to their lambs and it is the responsibility of all dog owners to keep their animals under control at all times.

No dogs should be taken through flocks of sheep and owners are seriously advised to keep dogs on a lead when they are near fields containing sheep.

The spokesman added: "In extreme incidents, not only does it result in the death of the sheep or its unborn lamb, it can even result in the dog being shot or a court ordering it to be destroyed."

He added: "It is imperative that dog owners keep their dogs on a lead, especially near livestock.

"It's also important that they clean up after their dogs as dog mess can have a serious effect on the health of livestock. Injury to any stock may also possibly result in the owner of the dog being prosecuted for criminal damage to the farm animals."

Anyone with any information about either of the attacks on sheep are being urged to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

If you have any information contact West Mercia Police's non-emergency helpline on 101, quoting incident number 217S 020316.