Appeal for information and witnesses after pregnant ewes mauled

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 14:41

Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses and information after three pregnant sheep were killed, believed to be by a dog, in Upper Chute this morning (1st April).

At around 7.30 am, a flock of ewes were attacked by what is thought to be a loose dog in a field off Malthouse Lane, leading to three dead ewes in lamb and several others injured.

The incident is likely to have occurred due to someone walking their dog off-lead in the area, or a dog that escaped from a local house.

Due to the injuries caused to the ewes, it’s likely the dog would have returned covered in blood.

If you have any information regarding this, please call 101 or email 70787@wiltshire.police.uk quoting reference 54260038839.

Police said in their statement, "We would like to remind dog owners that it is crucial to keep control of your dog around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to return when called.

"If you live near to or in an agricultural area, make sure your house is suitable to prevent your dog escaping and finding its way onto land containing livestock.

"Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, it is an offence for any dog to attack sheep (or other livestock) or chase them in a way which may cause suffering, abortion or loss of produce, or being at large (Not on lead or under close control) in a field or enclosure where there are sheep.

"Under amendments in the law, owners could face an unlimited fine. Police also have powers to seize dogs suspected of livestock worrying, order DNA samples or enter premises to identify dogs which were involved.

"If you see an incident of sheep worrying, please call 999 immediately."

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