The farmer shot one of the dogs to stop them from attacking their livestock. (Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team)
A farmer in Cheshire has been the victim of two livestock worrying attacks by the same dogs within the space of just four days.
Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team said a farmer in Congleton had 15 sheep killed by two dogs, with 'many more' left either injured or stressed, sometime between Thursday night (October 24) and Friday morning (October 25).
The attacks took place in the farmer's fields located between Buxton Road and the River Dane.
Police constable Rob Stordy, from Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team, said most of the sheep on the field suffered 'significant' bite marks to their throats, with two having drowned in a nearby canal.
On Monday (October 28), the same two dogs returned to the farm and killed four further sheep.
In order to stop the dogs from attacking the sheep, the farmer shot and killed one of the dogs, while the other ran away.
Officers said the actions of the farmer were 'proportionate, necessary and legal'.
Police have confirmed the owner of the dogs has since come forward.
However, the dog that got away, described as a ginger cross-breed, remains on the loose.
PC Stordy said dog attacks are becoming 'all too common' with farmers facing the financial and emotional burden of incidents on farm.
"Most of the sheep suffered significant bite marks to their throats, with two drowning in the canal," he added.
"Clearly, the unnecessary pain and suffering that the sheep have been subjected to was very significant and completely unacceptable.
"Once again, members of our hard-working farming community have been left facing large unnecessary bills through absolutely no fault of their own.
"Incidents like this are all too common.
"We are asking farmers where possible in the Congleton, Bosley and Eaton areas to keep a close eye on their livestock.
"No farmer wants to have to shoot a dog but sadly they have been left with absolutely no choice on this occasion.
"This is clearly a sensitive matter and we would ask that people now allow us time to conduct our investigation without undue speculation."
Take the Lead
You can support Farmers Guardian's 'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.
We can provide you with free signs to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at [email protected].
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