A sheep has been put down following an attack by a dog on the Malvern Hills.
The sheep was seriously injured on Broad Down, near British Camp on the 13th January. The injuries were so severe that there was no option but for the sheep to be put down.
No one has come forward following the attack which has been reported to the police and the Trust are asking people to come forward contact the office if they have any information.
Beck Baker said "We're really sorry to have to report that just two weeks into the New Year a sheep is already dead following an attack by a dog. We're also disappointed that the owner has failed to come forward despite it being very likely that their dog returned to them with blood all over its face and mouth."
The Trust is urging people to make sure that their dog is under close control at all times. As well as the cattle and sheep within the electric-fenced enclosures - where dogs should be on a lead - livestock can be found anywhere on the Hills and Commons. If in doubt, always put your dog on a lead when visiting the Malverns just in case there is a sheep or cow around the corner.
Beck added "The grazier was very upset by the extent of the injuries and horrified by the amount of suffering that had been caused by someone's pet."
It is particularly important that dog owners keep their pets under control at this time as ewes are pregnant and even chasing could cause the sheep to abort their lambs.
Stockwatch
On the Northern and Central Hills, cattle and sheep that form part of the MHT grazing project can be found in electric-fenced compartments which rotate around the Hills. The Trust updates Stockwatch each week with the up-to-date locations of the livestock for this project. This week, livestock has moved on both the northern and central hills and more information can be found here.
The public can also sign up to Stockwatch to receive a weekly email direct to their inbox with the location of livestock.
Grazing
The Malvern Hills and Commons have been grazed by local people for hundreds of years and much of the landscape is registered Common Land. Sheep and cattle grazing of the Hills has created a diverse and varied landscape. The importance of the open habitats of the Hills and Commons has been recognised through the designation of the Malvern Hills as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Sheep and cattle help to conserve the diverse habitats but they also help to conserve ancient archaeology and keep the stunning views open for visitors.
