Sheep seriously injured in bloody dog attack at Osmotherley beauty spot
A sheep has been seriously injured by a dog after two dogs were seen running loose at a North Yorkshire beauty spot.
The canines were spotted off-lead at the Cod Beck car park, Osmotherley, at an area known as "Sheep Wash", scattering the livestock that were present. One of the dogs, a light brown crossbreed, then attacked and seriously injured one of the sheep.
A member of the public intervened during the incident, which happened around 12pm on Sunday, January 26, and tried to scare off the dog with a stick.
READ MORE: Solar energy farm proposed on site of former motocross track in South Bank
READ MORE: Balaclava-clad men attempt to rob delivery driver and threaten him with knife
North Yorkshire Police has released a picture of the sheep and its injuries and is now investigating. Officers are appealing for the owner of the dogs to come forward, along with any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage.
If you can help the investigation, email Chloe.Nixon-Longstaff@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and pass information for PC Nixon-Longstaff. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference 12250015506 when passing on information.
The force has also issued some guidance for dog owners, and said: "At this time of year in particular, many sheep are pregnant with lambs and even if your dog does not touch them, the stress of being chased can cause serious harm to the sheep and their unborn lambs.
• You must ensure a field or area has no livestock or wild animals in it before letting your dog off lead.
• It’s the law to keep 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.
• Don't allow people who may not be confident in doing so or may not 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.
• If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing livestock.
• In certain circumstances a farmer is entitled to shoot your dog if it is attacking their livestock.
"We are also reminding dog owners of their responsibility to keep their dog on a lead where there is livestock and that sheep worrying is a criminal offence. In some circumstances a farmer is entitled to shoot your pet if it attacks their livestock."
For breaking news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter