Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has joined Wiltshire Police’s campaign to educate dog walkers following a disturbing series of attacks on sheep in the county.

The PCC went out with Warminster’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) in Fonthill Bishop, the recent scene of a particularly distressing attack where a pregnant ewe was mauled by two dogs. This resulted in the loss of the sheep and the unborn lamb.

The patrol was part of a wider campaign by the NPT, where they spoke to members of the public at Cley Hill, Heaven’s Gate, Stourhead, Win Green and Battlesbury Hillfort.  

Mr Wilkinson said:

“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and know to keep their dogs on a lead when walking through fields with livestock.

“However, there are a small minority who wrongly believe they have total control of their animals when they’re off the lead. This can cause the tragic circumstances which we have seen in Fonthill Bishop and in other parts of the county.

“I’ve spoken to farmers who have lost sheep to dog attacks, and the distress caused by finding an animal which has been killed in such a way leaves a lasting effect.

“I would simply ask all dog owners to follow the advice of the Rural Crime Team and keep their animals on a short lead when walking through fields with livestock.”

Lambing season traditionally runs until the end of April, with many new lambs being seen in fields across Wiltshire.

PC Victoria Howick is from the Wiltshire Police Rural Crime Team:

“Your dog might not have a chase instinct, but just the mere presence of a dog can cause sheep to scare and run.

“Even if you think you dog is just playing and being friendly, the sheep can still become distressed and abort their pregnancy, which causes unnecessary suffering.

“Although the majority of dog attacks have not been malicious, they come at a high cost to the farmer, with impact not only being financial, but emotional too.”

The Rural Crime Team has given the following advice for dog walkers:

• Keep your dog on a lead, even if you cannot see livestock. It is best to keep your dog on a short lead when you are closer to livestock
• Always ensure you have good control of your dog
• Plan ahead and bring dog treats with you to help ensure your dog is focused on your commands
• Look out for signage about livestock, and always adhere to what they say
• Always stick to designated footpaths and byways, and never tamper with fencing or trespass on to private land
• Ensure you clear up after your dog, as faeces can cause harm to livestock
• If you witness a dog chasing or attacking livestock, call 999.

Published Tuesday 15 April 2025