‘Out-of-control’ dog chases flock of sheep in Marlborough

The worrying incident happened in Marlborough last week when a flock of 24 sheep were chased around a field by a loose dog.

While none of the sheep were physically hurt, police say that there is a concern that some will abort their lambs from being chased.

According to an eyewitness, the owner of the animal was nowhere in sight.

Wiltshire Police receives two reports on average each month of dogs chasing, injuring or killing sheep and other livestock.

The force believes this to be under-reported as national figures show that attacks are on the increase.

According to a NFU Mutual survey with 100 dog owners, 66 per cent allow their pets to roam freely off-lead in the countryside even though 39 per cent admit their dogs do not come back to them when called

The survey also stated the south-west region as having the second highest cost to livestock owners in England at an estimated £273,000 in 2022.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “I am asking dog owners to please be considerate of those farming the land and their by making sure that they keep their pets securely on a lead when they are walking anywhere near farm animals.

“As we move towards the main lambing and calving periods, we will be supporting our farming communities with a social media and public engagement campaign to highlight the problem, encourage reporting and ask dog walkers to respect the Countryside Code.”

The force also reminded in the warning that it is a criminal offence and that the dog owner can face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 in the most serious case.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We would like to remind people who may be out and about enjoying the wonderful Wiltshire countryside with dogs, it is a sensible precaution to keep them on a lead when livestock are nearby.

“Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with sheep or other livestock.

“This can result in significant injury or suffering and, in the worst cases, death of the animals involved having devastating consequences for livestock keepers and causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.

“If you see a dog worrying or attacking livestock please call 999 or report online or call 101 after an occurrence.”