Sheep euthanised after 'horrific' dog attack

Officers said a member of the public had to pull the dog away from the sheep in order to prevent further injury

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
North Yorkshire Police said the sheep's injuries were too 'distressing' to show.
Image:

North Yorkshire Police said the sheep's injuries were too 'distressing' to show.

A sheep has been euthanised after it sustained significant and severe injuries during a dog attack.

North Yorkshire Police said the sheep was attacked by a red setter-type dog near Cod Beck Reservoir in Osmotherley at around 10am on Saturday (May 16).

LISTEN NOW:

Officers said a member of the public had to pull the dog away from the sheep in order to prevent further injury.

Livestock worrying

After sustaining significant and severe injuries, police said the sheep had to be euthanised. 

Police also confirmed a second sheep was also found with serious injuries at the popular dog walking area on the same day.

Take the lead

North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force sergeant David Lund said the 'horrific and distressing' incidents should serve as a reminder for dogs to be placed on a lead at all times when near livestock.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners of the importance of keeping their dogs under close control and on a lead when in the vicinity of livestock, in order to prevent further incidents of this nature," Mr Lund added.

READ NOW: One farmer's livestock worrying 'misery' leads to dog owner's second conviction

"It is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock.

"This includes attacking livestock, chasing livestock in a way that may cause injury or suffering, or being at large in a field where livestock are present.

"Dog owners can be prosecuted if their dog is found to be responsible for such behaviour."

Officers have launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Any information can be reported by calling North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quoting incident number 12260088842.

READ NOW: Dogs maul 35 sheep to death and injure 14 more at Suffolk farm

More on Rural crime

Third break-in this year at Windmill Hill City Farm in Bristol

Third break-in this year at Windmill Hill City Farm in Bristol

The farm said it has cost them hundreds of pounds in repairs and labour

Alex Black
clock 04 July 2026 • 2 min read
Police appeal following theft of 135 sheep

Police appeal following theft of 135 sheep

Hampshire police have urged anyone with information to come forward

Alex Black
clock 02 July 2026 • 1 min read
Teenager in 'life-threatening' condition and five cows dead after crash in West Dunbartonshire

Teenager in 'life-threatening' condition and five cows dead after crash in West Dunbartonshire

Police Scotland are appealing for anyone with more information regarding the accident to come forward

Mia Willemsen
clock 30 June 2026 • 1 min read