Owner flees after dog mauls two sheep to death in savage attack

A local farmer has blasted 'irresponsible' dog owners after two sheep died following a vicious attack.

Rob Earnshaw was forced to put down both animals to end their suffering after they sustained serious injuries following an attack near Greenbooth Reservoir on Monday (February 14).

The area is frequently used by dog walkers, and two ewes suffered deep wounds and with one of the animals left with a broken leg.

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One ewe was found collapsed and bleeding heavily, with a large open wound to the front of her shoulder and chest. One of the back legs of the other sheep was left dangling.

The dog and owner fled the scene following the attack.

It is the latest in a series of attacks on his flock and the farmer believes the rise in dog ownership during the pandemic has increased the likelihood of “irresponsible” behaviour by owners.

He said: “It’s not the dogs’ fault, but some of these owners can’t control them or they have them out without leads on. We’ve had several attacks in the last few years, either the sheep have been savaged or they have been run into the reservoir where they’ve drowned,” said Rob.

The RSPCA was alerted to the scene by a fisherman who heard a dog barking and came across the injured sheep.

Inspector Vicki McDonald said it was likely that the perpetrator was a large dog such was the severity of the injuries.

Vicki said: “This was a savage attack that resulted in serious injuries to the sheep that went through to the muscle and tendons.

“This is also worrying as we are coming into lambing season and these types of attacks are getting more prevalent, leading to the sheep enduring awful suffering.

“All dog owners should