Sheep killed in dog attack
Two Shropshire sheep farmers have been left devastated after the third savage dog attack on their flock in three years. Two Shropshire sheep farmers have been left devastated after the third savage dog attack on their flock in three years. The latest incident at Mount Pleasant Farm, Wroxeter, resulted in nine sheep being killed and eight others maimed when the dog struck yesterday afternoon. Anthony and Peter Rogers are facing more heartache as Defra officials have banned them from moving the rest of their flock to safety because of restrictions following the outbreak of foot and mouth in Surrey.
Anthony and Peter Rogers are facing more heartache as Defra officials have banned them from moving the rest of their flock to safety because of restrictions following the outbreak of foot and mouth in Surrey.
Anthony's wife Helen said today the family is frantic because they fear the dog will return and kill again, but the strict regulations mean moving them from the field is not an option.
Almost all of the flock was wiped out in June, 2005, after two horrific dog attacks in the space of 10 days led to the death of 114 sheep.
Mrs Rogers said police had already vowed to conduct house-to-house inquiries in villages near the fields in a bid to catch the killer dog.
She said: "We want to find the owner of the dog because this animal needs to be kept under control. If we catch it attacking our animals again it will be shot.
"We had 114 sheep killed in the same field before, and this time the dog killed nine and so far four have had to be put down because of their injuries.
"But they are finding more dead sheep or having to put more down all the time.
"The whole flock has been left very traumatised. It is heartbreaking because a lot of ewes have been killed and the lambs are bleating for their mothers."
She said her husband was told about the attack by a neighbouring farmer who spotted the dog.
Mrs Rogers said he described the dog as a spaniel-type, but with pointed ears.
"Once a dog has killed it will keep coming back. This is what happened a couple of years ago and it was devastating," she added.
Shrewsbury police today confirmed they are investigating the attack and asked anyone with information to contact them on 08457 444888.
By Andy Robbins
