Farmer loses two more sheep in dog attacks

HORRIFIC . . . the mauled sheep

THE Saddleworth farmer whose pregnant ewe was mauled to death by a marauding dog has lost two more pregnant animals

Last week, Chronicle readers expressed shock at a picture of the sheep savaged in the horrific attack.

The two-year-old ewe was due to give birth to its first lamb next month at Darren Hough’s hilltop farm at Wharmton, Dobcross.

Now two more of his flock have been killed in vicious dog attacks on his 265 acre farm. Checks on other pregnant sheep have shown many have suffered bites.

Mr Hough added: “Some of the sheep have suffered terrible injuries that has left them in dreadful pain. It’s very upsetting.”

In a blistering attack, Saddleworth Parish Council chairman Councillor Neil Allsopp warned dog owners: “Pet owners whose dogs kill sheep, particularly at this crucial time of the year in the farming calendar, should never be allowed to own a dog again. They should be fined and made to pay full costs to the farmer, plus compensation for the hurt and injury. My heart goes out to the sheep farmers at this worrying time.”.

Tony Woodley, RSPCA inspector, added: “The aftermath of attacks leave sheep with ears ripped off, legs bitten down to the bone and their throats torn open.”

And he warned: “Dog owners could be prosecuted and their dog shot dead if they are caught worrying sheep.”