With the lambing season approaching, local police are advising dog owners to keep their pets under control around livestock, following an attack on a flock of sheep near Bath Racecourse which left one animal dead.
The sheep had to be put down after suffering serious injuries. Another was also mauled but survived.
It happened late afternoon or early evening on Sunday 10th January in a field near the racecourse at Lansdown.
The farm manager estimates the sheep’s value at £120 and the cost of it not lambing at more than £700.
Police officers have visited the area around North Stoke to see the layout of fields and footpaths and the area used by dog walkers.
PC Stuart Cumine said: “Even on a brief tour we spotted several walkers with their dogs not on leads near animals.
“We’re appealing for information to identify the dog owner responsible for this attack, and we’re warning all dog walkers to control their pets.
“We take all such reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly to try to identify the owners of any offending dogs.
“We recognise the impact that allowing a dog to injure livestock in this way has on farmers and their livelihoods.
“Any person found responsible for allowing a dog to carry out such an attack could be liable to prosecution under The Dangerous Dogs Act.
“We urge all dog owners and walkers to keep dogs on leads when near livestock, even if they are in a separate field.”