'Please keep dogs on leads': Sheep suffers horrific injuries after being attacked by dog in Garstang

WARNING: this article contains graphic images that could be upsetting to some readers.

A farmer was left devastated when they discovered one of their sheep had been left severely injured after being mauled by a dog in Garstang on June 1.

Although the sheep survived the attack, it was left extremely distressed and "in a lot of pain."

Her lamb was also left very upset, according to the farmer.

As a warning to dog owners, they shared graphic images of the injured sheep to social media to raise awareness of sheep worrying and its gruesome consequences.

They said: "This is one of our sheep. She was attacked on Garstang show field yesterday. She is alive but distressed and in a lot of pain. Her lamb is also very distressed.

"Whilst we appreciate most people are responsible dog owners, a dog's instinct is to chase and sometimes to kill.

"Please, please keep your dogs on a lead around livestock."

The farmer has confirmed the sheep has been treated for its injuries and the owner of the dog has apologised.

The owner of the sheep has been approached for further comment about the incident.

The attack follows a growing number of incidents of sheep worrying in Lancashire, with police issuing a statement after receiving reports of another sheep attack on May 31.

Insp Mark Douglas, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "If you are taking your dog to an area where there may be livestock please keep it on a lead.

"Sheep Worrying is a criminal offence, we are investigating this case and the dog and owner have already been identified.

"This is a worry for our hard-working sheep farmers who have to deal with the loss or their livestock along with associated vets bills. Please help them by keeping your dog under control."

If you have any information about wildlife or rural crime, contact police by calling 101 or via their website by clicking HERE.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anomalously on 0800 555 111 or via their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Advice for walkers:

If your dog worries livestock you may end up being sued for compensation and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep, according to the RSPCA:

- Be aware of the effects of sheep-worrying, and let others know too.

- Make sure you know where your dog is at all times.

- If you're letting your dog off the lead be confident there are no livestock nearby.

- Be sure that your dog will return to you promptly on command and if in doubt, keep them on the lead.

Do:

- Try to avoid getting between cows and their calves

- Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you.

- Move quickly and quietly. If possible walk around the herd.

- Keep your dog close and under effective control on a lead around cows and sheep

Don’t:

- Don’t hang onto your dog. If you are threatened by cattle - let it go as the cattle will chase the dog.

- Don’t put yourself at risk. Find another way round the cattle and rejoin the footpath as soon as possible.

- Don’t panic or run. Most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow just walk on quietly.

Find out more about the effects of sheep worrying by clicking HERE.