Police concerned over ‘sharp rise’ in dog attacks on livestock after eight sheep killed in Gwynedd

Police have raised concerns following a “sharp rise” in dog attacks on livestock after eight sheep were killed in Gwynedd.

Officers from the rural crime team were called to a farm in Efailnewydd near Pwllheli yesterday evening after reports of the ewes being attacked.

PCSO Rhys Evans described the scene which greeted him as “horrific” after sharing the graphic video footage below of sheep lying lifeless on the floor.

Police are now appealing for information about the incident with enquiries ongoing.

https://www.facebook.com/NWPRuralCrime/videos/4431971576843345/

Rural Crime Team Manager Rob Taylor said he believed there could be a link between the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures and the spike in dog attacks.

He said: “It’s right across the force area and the one we’ve put on tonight is deeply disturbing in Efailnewydd where eight ewes have been savaged by either a single dog or a number of dogs.

“We don’t have any further information at this present time and we don’t know if the owner was present or if it was an escaped dog.

“We’ve seen quite a few reports about there possibly being an increase in people purchasing dogs in lockdown for company and being in the house with them.

“Possibly when people are starting to go back to work now, maybe those dogs aren’t getting the walks that they were getting and also not getting the attention they were getting.

“We’ve seen previously that over 75 per cent of livestock attacks are dogs that escape from premises or the owner’s no present.

“Sadly we’re starting to see this again now and there’s definitely been a sharp rise, which definitely coincides with easing out of lockdown.

“If you are a dog owner then please take responsible action – look after your dog and make sure your boundary is secure.

“If you’re out and about make sure it’s at close control or on a lead. These things are vital otherwise you’re going to end up losing your dog or in court.”

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