PETERSFIELD Police have joined forces with East HampshireÕs dog wardens in a bid to stamp out
savage attacks on sheep which are taking place in the Hawkley area.
The latest horrendous incident left 10 sheep, all in lamb, seriously injured and shocked.
This week, the first of the sheep gave birth to two stillborn lambs and the owner, a Hawkley farmer who does not wish to be named, is waiting to see what happens as all the other ewes begin to lamb.
Sgt Rhona Anderson of Petersfield Police told The Herald: ÒThese dogs have caused serious injury to the sheep which have been left in the field, hurt, bewildered, confused and in shock. They are not resilient creatures and they have been left for a period of time in agony.Ó
The attack is the fourth in just over six months in the Hawkley area, which has left a total of 20 sheep dead and another 20 seriously injured.
And Sgt Anderson warned that police are stepping up their efforts to find the culprits. She appealed for anyone who had witnessed an incident or had information about sheep worrying to come forward and help trace the dogs responsible.
ÒAll the different people involved are working together to try and prevent any more of these attacks,Ó said Sgt Anderson. And now East Hampshire District Council dog wardens, David Griffiths and Liz Mould, are to carry out special patrols of the area.
ÒThey will pick up any strays or dogs that are running loose,Ó warned Sgt Anderson.
She added: ÒWe want to make sure that all Hawkley residents who own dogs understand that it is their responsibility to keep their dogs under control at all times. And I need people to be aware that farmers have the right to shoot dogs on sight for going towards live stock, worrying them or coming away from them.
ÒWhen people allow their dogs to run loose, they can join other dogs and two dogs becomes a pack,Ó said Sgt Anderson.
ÒWe are talking about the livelihoods of farmers and their profit margins are so close to the bone that this sort of things can put them out of business.Ó