Man arrested after sheep killed by dogs at Leominster farm
A man has been arrested after a 'large number' of sheep were attacked and killed by dogs at a farm on the Shropshire border.
A 64-year-old man from Risbury, Leominster, has been arrested on suspicion of being the owner or person in charge of a dog that is dangerously out of control. He has been released on police bail until October 16.
West Mercia Police were called to reports of sheep worrying at a farm in Risbury on September 2 where a large number of sheep had been attacked and killed by two dogs.
The incident is believed to have taken place between 12pm and 4pm.
Inspector Daniel Pilkington of West Mercia Police said: "We would like to remind the public that it's is an offence for a dog owner and anyone controlling the dog to allow it to worry livestock on agricultural land. If this happens, individuals may be prosecuted or fined and ordered to pay compensation.
"We would like to advise the farming community that we take any reports of this nature very seriously.
"Under the Animals Act 1971 a farmer, landowner or anyone acting on their behalf has a legal right to shoot your dog to protect their property. We would like to remind dog owners to please keep their dog on a lead at all times but particularly where there is livestock in the area."
Police are appealing to anyone who may have any information leading up the circumstances involving the incident, please call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident 520s of September 2.
