WARNING: This article contains images that some people may find upsetting
Five sheep have been attacked by dogs in a Cambridgeshire village. The sheep were attacked by three dogs in the Smithy Fen area of Cottenham just after 9am today (Friday, January 9).
Witnesses reported to Cambridgeshire Police that they heard sheep stampeding across a field and discovered three dogs attacking the livestock. The dogs were described as a black German Shepherd with a silvery neck, a medium-sized brown curly-haired dog, similar to a Cockapoo or Labradoodle, and a small terrier.
The witness intervened, which caused the dogs to flee in the direction of Lockspit Hall Drove, towards the B1049, where they disappeared. Initial checks suggest five sheep have been injured, with two potentially fatally wounded.
PC James Lee, of the force’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT), said: “This incident has been very upsetting for the owner of the sheep, and we would like to thank the witness who intervened and stopped any further harm coming to the livestock.
“Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under UK law, and prevention relies on responsible dog ownership and proactive measures by farmers and landowners. An investigation has been launched and we would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to get in touch with us.
“Please call police on 999 if livestock are being attacked or call 101 to report information after any incidents have taken place, or to report any intelligence. Providing accurate location details, using OS grid references or What3Words in remote areas, is also incredibly helpful.”
Anyone with information should call 101 or report it online and quote investigation reference 35/2056/26.
