Suffolk Constabulary's Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Team sergeant Chris Green said: "This was a serious incident which led to devastating consequences in a close-knit, rural community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that irresponsible dog ownership can have on livestock and wildlife, residents and the dogs themselves."
A dog walker has been ordered to pay over £1,000 in compensation to a farmer after her pets injured and killed nearly 50 sheep have been killed or injured on a farm.
Suffolk Constabulary said Linda Lawrence, 66, of Stansfield, was arrested on July 19 after a livestock worrying incident on farmland close to the West Suffolk village.
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In total, 35 sheep were killed and another 14 were injured during the dog attack, according to police.
At Ipswich Crown Court in March, Lawrence was charged with livestock worrying offences and she pleaded guilty to criminal damage and owning a dog dangerously out of control.
Livestock worrying
On May 7, she was sentenced to an 18-month community order, where she will have to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and take part in 20 rehabilitation days.
Lawrence was also subject to an indefinite ban on dog ownership and ordered to pay £1,224 in compensation to the farmer, as well as a further £1,000 in court costs.
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Suffolk Constabulary's Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Team sergeant Chris Green said livestock worrying incidents can have a ‘devastating' impact on farmers and the communities they serve.
"This was a serious incident which led to devastating consequences in a close-knit, rural community," he added.
Victims
"Our thoughts remain with the victim in the case and those affected by the incident, which we know was particularly distressing for all involved.
"Police and partners are working together to see how we can avoid similar incidents in future."
Legislation
Sergeant Green said the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 will serve as a deterrent to stop similar incidents from taking place in the future.
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"The Government has acknowledged the severity of these incidents," he added.
"Since this case a change in law has been implemented bringing in increased powers for police when dealing with offences where dogs have worried or attacked livestock.
"The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that irresponsible dog ownership can have on livestock and wildlife, residents and the dogs themselves.
"This is a clear warning of the consequences that owners could face if found guilty of these offences."
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