Farmer loses 14 sheep in 'horrific' dog attacks

Farmer Kate Esler says the attacks are 'frustrating and disheartening'

A farmer is calling on dog walkers to keep their pets on leads in the countryside after six attacks on her flock.

Kate Esler, who farms in Kingston Seymour, North Somerset, has lost 14 sheep since December 2022.

"The injuries are horrific and it is frustrating and heart-breaking for us to see."

Warning: This story contains graphic images

Ms Esler says the attacks affect the rest of the flock and can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry through stress.

Some of the injured sheep have been put down

She added: "The flock is always flighty after an attack and we've had to rescue some sheep and lambs from rhynes [drainage ditches] once the dog has gone."

Kate Esler said she does not have video evidence of the attacks, making it hard to prosecute dog owners.

"A lot of people got pets during lockdown and probably did not do puppy training with them, so they are not aware of the dangers," she said.

Some of Kate Esler's sheep have run into drainage ditches - known as rhines - to escape dogs

The National Sheep Association (NSA) says livestock worrying includes attacking or chasing sheep and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.

It says it is vital a dog owners keeps the pet on a lead around livestock, even if they can usually trust it to come to call.

Avon and Somerset Police said they received multiple reports of livestock worrying at the start of January.

Rural affairs officer, Sgt Katie Maun, said: "Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and could result in a large fine."

The organisations are urging dog owners to act responsibly when walking in the countryside.