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'Harrowing' dog attacks on sheep costing farmers millions of pounds a year

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'Harrowing' dog attacks on sheep costing farmers millions of pounds a year

Thames Valley

Date of alert:

Monday, 20 March 2023

Crime Ref:

Force:

Thames Valley Police

Dog attacks on livestock cost the industry more than a million pounds every year. It's hoped that new legislation giving police more powers to crack down on irresponsible owners will help stop the growing problem.

Farmer Oliver East is losing sheep to deadly dog attacks every week.

This winter alone, more than 20 of his sheep have been killed - the last attack only days ago.

Mr East, from Buckinghamshire, told Sky News he discovered one of his ewes dead near a footpath.

"Its back legs were severely mauled, it had its ears pulled off, and its throat was pulled out," he said.

"It's becoming a weekly occurrence, if not twice a week now."

Not only do these incidents carry an emotional impact, but they also have significant financial implications.

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'Harrowing' dog attacks on sheep costing farmers millions of pounds a year
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