Rochdale News | News Headlines | RSPCA renews appeal for dogs to be kept on leads after two pregnant sheep had to be put down following savage attack

Warning – this story contains images you may find distressing.

The RSPCA is appealing for dog owners to keep their pets under control after a savage attack on two sheep near Rochdale.

Both ewes suffered deep wounds and one of the animals was left with her back leg broken.

Farmer Rob Earnshaw was forced to put down both sheep after the attack to end their suffering following the incident which took place near Greenbooth Reservoir at lunchtime on Monday (14 February) in an area used by dog walkers.

It is the latest in a series of attacks on his flock and the farmer believes the rise in dog ownership during the pandemic has increased the likelihood of “irresponsible” behaviour by owners.

“It’s not the dogs’ fault, but some of these owners can’t control them or they have them out without leads on. We’ve had several attacks in the last few years, either the sheep have been savaged or they have been run into the reservoir where they’ve drowned,” said Rob.

The RSPCA was alerted to the scene by a fisherman who heard a dog barking and came across the injured sheep.

Inspector Vicki McDonald, who attended the scene, said it was likely that the perpetrator was a large dog such was the severity of the injuries.

One ewe was found collapsed and bleeding heavily with a large open wound to the front of her shoulder and chest. One of the back legs of the other sheep was left dangling.

The dog and owner fled the scene following the attack.

Vicki said: “This was a savage attack that resulted in serious injuries to the sheep that went through to the muscle and tendons.

“This is also worrying as we are coming into lambing season and these types of attacks are getting more prevalent, leading to the sheep enduring awful suffering.

“All dog owners should always keep their dogs on a lead in and around sheep.

“Dog owners should remember it is lawful for farmers to shoot a dog to protect livestock which would be distressing for everyone involved; and owners can face a police prosecution if their dog is caught worrying livestock.”

Mr Earnshaw says the actions of irresponsible owners needs to be highlighted.

“We had to put the ewes down straight away for their own sake. The owner would have seen this attack as it’s not happened in a couple of minutes, but it would have probably lasted for 10 to 15 minutes,” added the farmer.

“The ewes were due to lamb in April so the attack has also killed the lambs they were carrying.

“Since Covid there have been more of these incidents as more people have bought dogs and people really need to be more responsible.” 

The RSPCA advises people to consider your actions as a responsible dog owner when out and about enjoying the countryside:

• Always check for livestock in fields when walking your dog/s. 
• Always make sure you shut gates behind you. 
• When in fields with livestock, it is vital that your dog/s are kept on a lead and under control at all times. The only time you should release your dog is in the event of being chased by cattle.
• If your dog chases, scares or attacks sheep, report it to the farmer even if there is no apparent injury as the stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry.
• If you live near livestock make sure that your property and garden are secure. 
• If you are worried about your dog’s behaviour visit the RSPCA’s website to find a suitable behaviour expert.