Good Morning,

We have recently received reports of Sheep Worrying, and of a Ewe carrying Lamb's being attacked and killed by Dog's in Upper Coquetdale over recent weeks.

It is sad to see Dog owners wishing to enjoy the tranquillity of our Countryside, allow their dog off the lead near to Sheep where inevitably the Dog will either chase and / or kill the Ewe - ultimately destroying what they travel to the Countryside to enjoy in the first place.

Death to any Lamb that Ewe's are carrying is inevitable if the Ewe is killed at the time of the Dog attack, although can also take a few days for the Ewe to abort the Lamb following being chased by the stress this causes them.

It does not matter that your Dog is well behaved, normally does not chase Livestock, or that you use a shock collar to recall your Dog - you should always keep your Dog on a lead at all times around Livestock. The only exception to this would be if you are being chased by Cattle - where you should release your Dog.

If you are out enjoying the Countryside, please keep your dog on a lead around Livestock - especially Sheep, and especially at this time of year given they are due to Lamb.

Should your Dog kill Sheep, you could receive a Community Resolution where a Financial reimbursement covering the loss of a Ewe or Lamb to the Farmer could be issued to you, or you could receive a Community Protection Warning Notice (CPNW) where stipulations on you using a Lead and Muzzle AT ALL TIMES when walking the Dog could be issued - where there is no rights to appeal the CPNW, and there is no end date. 

The National Farmer's Union (NFU) recently released figures that showed livestock attacks by dogs cost the industry £2.4 million in 2024.

In relation to the report of Sheep Attack, a woman walking two Husky type Dogs was seen in Upper Coquetdale at the time, might have some knowledge of the Sheep Attack. I would invite them to contact myself so the matter can be discussed further.

Regards,

Peter

Peter Johnson 4187
PCSO Neighbourhood
Northern
Ext: 894187 | M: 07885264136 | W: www.northumbria.police.uk