Sheep Killed By Dogs In Harborough Village

At least three sheep were killed after being attacked by dogs in a Harborough village.

Police were called to Ullesthorpe, near Lutterworth yesterday morning, after reports two Alsatian dogs were attacking animals in a field on Lutterworth Road.

Officers say the dogs also died, although have not confirmed how, and enquiries to locate their owner are continuing.

Farmers are legally allowed to shoot dogs which are worrying livestock.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police told Hfm: Officers were called at 8.57am yesterday (Monday) to Lutterworth Road, Ullesthorpe, following a report that a number of sheep and lambs were being attacked by two Alsatian dogs on a field.

“At least three sheep were reported to have been killed in the incident.

“One of the dogs was also reported to have died at the scene. The second dog was initially reported to have left the scene but was later reported to have also died at the scene.

“The dogs had chips and were taken to the vets and enquiries are continuing to locate the dogs’ owner.

“Enquiries remain ongoing into the incident.”

The National Farmers Union is urging people to keep dogs on leads near livestock.

According to rural insurer NFU Mutual, last year dogs savaged livestock worth £1.2 million, causing suffering to animals and distress to farmers as they dealt with the aftermath.