Police said the sheep had been cornered against a wall and had its face and ears ripped off during the attack. It was later put to sleep. (Derbyshire Rural Crime Team)
A sheep has had its face and ears ripped off during a 'horrendous' dog attack in one of the latest incidents to affect Derbyshire farmers.
Derbyshire Rural Crime Team said it had responded to more than 10 livestock worrying cases since Christmas, marking a frustrating turn of events for farmers in a period of just under three months.
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The latest dog attack came on February 28, when police reported that a sheep had had its face and ears ripped off by a dog at a farm near Mam Tor in the Peak District.
Despite not being killed during the attack, rural crime officers said the sheep had to be put down due to the injuries it sustained.
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Police also recalled how a farmer in Glossop had shot three dogs to stop them from attacking his sheep last month.
Officers have pleaded with owners to keep their dogs on a lead due to damage that they can cause to farm businesses.
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, in English and Welsh, to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.
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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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