Witness appeal following livestock worrying in Tadworth

We are appealing for witnesses following an incident of livestock worrying in Tadworth.

We received a report from a landowner on Sunday, 6 March that their sheep had been attacked by a dog. A two-month-old lamb subsequently died from its injuries, and five other lambs were injured.

The incident is believed to have taken place between about 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Livestock worrying is a real concern for farmers and landowners in Surrey. This happens when a dog worries or attacks animals such as sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, goats and horses. Livestock such as sheep are particularly sensitive, and often die from the shock of being worried or chased.

Even if a dog only barks at or chases an animal and doesn’t touch it, this is still livestock worrying and can be hugely traumatic for the animal involved. Your dog might never have shown an interest in chasing or harming other animals before now, but their instincts can be unpredictable, and they might find it too hard a temptation to resist.

If you saw or heard anything that can assist our investigation, we want to know. Please contact us quoting PR/45220024646 via:

• Webchat using the chat button on the right hand side of the page
• Our online reporting tool https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
• Calling us on 101

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

You are responsible for your dog’s actions. If your dog attacks an animal, you should try to find the owner and explain what has happened. Livestock are very valuable to a farmer, and the deaths that come from livestock worrying have a direct impact on their livelihood.

As a last resort, farmers can shoot any dog worrying their livestock if it cannot be brought under control, so to keep your four-legged friend safe, always keep them on a lead when passing livestock.

Even on a lead, dogs can still worry livestock, so please think about whether their behaviour is causing the animals around them distress.

If you see a dog attacking farm animals, call 999. Do not intervene if you think that you might get injured, but please call police to report this crime instead.

 

**CONTENT WARNING - INJURED LAMB PHOTO BELOW - USE AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION**