The Malvern Hills Trust is urging dog walkers to put their pets on leads after two sheep were attacked by dogs at the weekend.
On Saturday 23rd September a sheep was found with bite marks to its face and ear on the Worcestershire Beacon. The following day, Sunday, a second sheep was found at St Ann’s Well with bite marks on its face and rump.
Beck added "It’s incredibly distressing to see the consequences of people continuing to allow their dogs to chase and attack livestock. The simple act of putting dogs on leads near livestock would put an end to this problem.”
“If you cannot be certain that your dog will return when called, whatever the circumstances, please keep your dog on a lead at all times on the Malvern Hills and Commons.”
To help dog owners plan their walks and know when to put their pet on a lead, the Trust publishes Stockwatch every week with the locations of the grazing compartments on the Malvern Hills and Commons. This information can be found on the Trust's website, in the Malvern Gazette and on social media. A weekly Stockwatch e-newsletter is also available with subscribers receiving an email with the locations of the Trust's grazing compartments each week.
However, the Trust would like to remind visitors that much of the Malvern Hills and Commons are registered Common Land and so you may come across sheep and cattle anywhere at any time.
Livestock worrying, which includes chasing, is a criminal offence and the police may be involved.
Witnesses to livestock worrying on the Hills and Commons should contact the Malvern Hills Trust on 01684 892002 to ensure veterinary treatment can be administered swiftly and also to call the police on the 101 non-emergency number or report it online as a record of the offence.
Livestock are an essential part of the management of the Malvern Hills and Commons. The cattle and sheep eat the bramble, scrub and young trees and this maintains the open grassland habitat. This keeps the landscape special and benefits the geology, archaeology, wildlife found here, as well as maintaining access and views for visitors.
