Police are appealing for information after two dogs were seen chasing sheep in a field in Woodchester.
It has been reported that two pregnant ewes sustained dog bites in the incident which happened at around 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday).
The dogs were described as being German Shepherds or Alsatians, and the man with them was described as being white and he was wearing a distinctive scarf.
Police have released an image taken of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Stroud Rural Crime officer PC Mawdsley visited the location earlier today (Friday) and he is keen to hear from the man pictured or from anyone who knows who he is.
Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 188 of 23 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/”
Livestock worrying is when loose dogs chase or attack farmed animals. Anyone who sees this happening is asked to take photos or video if possible and report this to the police.
Alongside animal welfare issues, livestock worrying can cause distress and financial losses to farmers.
Livestock worrying is a crime and can include dogs attacking animals physically, running after them or chasing sheep around, especially when they are carrying lambs or there are young lambs within the flock.
Dog faeces left on grazing land may also carry disease which can kill livestock.
Gloucestershire Police launched Operation Recall last year as a reminder to owners to keep their pets under control. When walking dogs in rural areas, dog owners are advised about the following:
- You must ensure a field or area has no livestock in it before letting your dog off lead. It is the law to keep your dog under control and the responsibility falls with the owner.
- Always ensure your dog is under control in an area where there are livestock or wild animals.
- Be particularly vigilant during lambing season and always keep dogs on a lead during this time.
- If your dog is not good with other animals or people, avoid letting them off their lead when others are around.
- Don’t allow people who may not be confident in doing so or have full control over the animal to walk your dog.
- Remember where there may be no livestock in a field one day, the same location could be full of animals the next.
- Ultimately a landowner by law, and as a last resort for protecting their livestock, is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying sheep. Police must be notified within 48 hours if this course of action is taken.