A NUMBER of sheep suffered "horrific" injuries and two had to be put down following an attack by a dog inside an enclosure in Cinderford last week.

Forestry England (FE) said that several sheep were injured, two had to be "put to sleep" and two were left in a critical condition following the attack at an enclosure near Ruspidge Holt, formerly Linear Park, last Wednesday afternoon (October 13).

And now Gloucestershire Constabulary is reminding residents that sheep worrying, which includes dogs running after, chasing or attacking animals physically, is a criminal offence.

FE said that images of the herd’s injuries were "too distressing to post" in an appeal for information on its Facebook page last Thursday (October 14).

The post said: "On Wednesday 13 October at around mid morning, a herd of Herdwick sheep were attacked by a dog in their enclosure at Ruspidge Halt (previously known as Linear Park).

"Several ewes suffered horrific injuries to the face, two subsequently had to be put to sleep and others are still in a critical condition.

"Images of their injuries are too distressing for us to post.

"All dog owners must be responsible and keep dogs under close control and on leads when near livestock."

The herd of Herdwick sheep, which belongs to local grazier Kate Batt, had been moving between some of the most sensitive grassland sites in the Forest to help improve habitat for species such as the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly and "beautiful and very rare" plant, the Autumn Gentian.

FE said that the sheep had been doing "what comes naturally" to them at the Ruspidge Holt enclosure, grazing in a way that is "sensitive to plants and animals".

Kate posted to the Cinderford Noticeboard Facebook page last Thursday (October 14) explaining the extent of the herd’s injuries.

She said: "This dog tore their ears off, ripped their noses off, splintered their skulls, tore their jaws off and punctured through their necks.

"These sheep were then left slowly dying of their horrific injuries.

"No one deserves to die like that. Who could leave animals to die like that?

"Please, please, will people take responsibility for their dogs and control them properly at all times.

"This should not have happened. People will see this as just another few sheep hurt and dead from a dog attack - who cares. Well I care. They were my sheep.

"They were my Snowey and Scruffy. They are my remaining terrified sheep who we are trying to help recover from their injuries and trauma.

"If you have any information to add to the case regarding the attack please get in contact.

"We are just left hoping they don’t come back."

A number of local residents shared and commented on the post, agreeing that dog owners should be held accountable when such incidents occur.

One person commented: "So very sorry for the loss and trauma to your beautiful sheep, I truly hope the dog or dogs and their owners are found and brought to justice. Why can’t people keep their dogs under control".

Another added: "This is tragic, whatever did this must be found. It would have taken some time for a dog to do this".

Gloucestershire Constabulary said that officers would like to speak to anyone that was in the area at the time of the incident, which happened sometime before 1.20pm on the day, or has information about the dog or its owner.

Police also provided guidance for dog owners about sheep worrying in a statement.

"Allowing a dog to worry or attack livestock is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953", the statement said. 

"Sheep represent a farmer’s income and are often worth a substantial sum. If they are attacked or killed, the loss that farmers face can leave them substantially out of pocket.

"Sheep worrying can include dogs attacking animals physically, running after them or chasing the sheep around, especially when they are carrying lambs or there are young lambs within the flock. Dog faeces left on grazing land may also carry disease that can kill sheep and affect unborn lambs.

"Offences relating to dogs are taken seriously by Gloucestershire Constabulary. Sheep worrying is a criminal offence and owners who allow their dog to carry out this activity could face a large fine or imprisonment.

"Police can seize and detain a dog where an officer has a reasonable cause to believe that the dog has been worrying livestock on agricultural land; and no person is present who admits to being the owner of the dog.

"It can ultimately lead to a dog being put down.

"Ultimately a landowner by law, and as a last resort for protecting their livestock, is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying sheep. However, nobody wants to see this outcome."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the police using the online form on Gloucestershire Constabulary’s website or by calling 101, quoting incident 206 of October 14.