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Devon farmer devastated after 43 sheep killed by dogs

FW Reporter 08 February 2024
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© Tim Scrivener© Tim Scrivener

Warning: This article contains graphic imagery 

More than 40 sheep have been killed in a horrific attack by dogs on a Dartmoor farm.

Police are investigating after 20 ewes and 23 lambs were savaged in the incident on a farm at Lamerton near Tavistock, Devon, overnight on Sunday (4 February).

Farmer Ali Dawe said the attacks happened over three fields and left seven ewes and 19 lambs dead, and a further 13 ewes and four lambs so badly hurt they had to be put down.

He said he believes more than one big dog was involved and they have taken 4in-wide paw prints of the dogs – as well as DNA samples.

See also: New anti-sheep worrying bill wins full government support

Mr Dawe said: “Those dogs would have been very, very tired with blood over their faces. We felt absolutely mortified, it didn’t sink in at first.

“We had to put some of the sheep out of their misery.

“Some were pedigree rare stock and you lose the bloodlines. We have to replace them for an incident which should not have happened.

“We have taken DNA from the puncture wounds, it’s never been done before, so hopefully we can prove that a dog has done it.

Dead sheep and lambs

© William Dawe

Emotional 

“It’s very very emotional, just the thought of those poor mothers protecting their baby lambs. 

“It was all facial attacks and so many were still alive, that’s the horrible thing, they tried their best to protect their young.  

“It’s just like a game for these animals [dogs] – this is over 50 acres and they were scattered everywhere over streams, hedges, fences through gates.”

Local MP Sir Geoffrey Cox took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his sympathy for the farmer and call for a criminal investigation.

Devon and Cornwall police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.  Call 101 quoting ref no 50240028542, or report via the Devon and Cornwall police website

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