The Malvern Hills Trust is reminding dog walkers of the importance of putting their pets on leads near livestock after a sheep was attacked by a dog.
On Monday 15th July, the Trust received a report from walkers and a local resident of an injured sheep.
The grazier swiftly attended to find a sheep with bite wounds in a garden on the edge of Great Malvern. The sheep had been chased off the hill and suffered bite injuries to its neck, rear legs and belly.
Beck, Community and Conservation Officer said “We’re extremely saddened to hear that a sheep has been attacked by a dog on the Malvern Hills. We urge dog owners to keep their pet on a lead when walking near livestock.
“If you cannot be certain that your dog will return immediately when called, whatever the circumstances, please keep your dog on a lead at all times. The simple act of putting your pet on a lead will stop these devastating incidents from happening again.
Sheep and cattle can be found grazing the Malvern Hills and Commons all year round and are an essential part of the conservation of the Hills and Commons as well as being someone’s livelihood.
Livestock worrying, which includes chasing, is a criminal offence and those who do not have control of their dog may face a fine or, in serious cases, see their dogs destroyed. Sheep and lambs may not always be visible so dogs should always be kept under close control and on a lead where grazing cattle and sheep are known to be.
Beck added “Unfortunately, on this occasion the attack was not witnessed and the dog owner could not be identified.
“We ask anyone who witnesses sheep worrying on the Hills and Commons to report it to the Trust on 01684 892002 and to the police on 101. Thank you to those who reported the injured sheep which meant that the grazier was able to swiftly start treatment. Now the ewe is safe and in the care of the grazier we hope that it will make a swift recovery but only time will tell.”
To help visitors find out more about where they may find livestock, the locations of cattle and sheep within the Trust's grazing projects are published weekly on Stockwatch www.malvernhills.org.uk/stockwatch. Much of the Malvern Hills and Commons are registered Common land therefore cattle and sheep may be found grazing freely outside of the grazing projects and Stockwatch updates.
