Livestock worrying Park Fields at Grinton 12260123170 (Livestock act 1953)

Officers from North Yorkshire Police Rural Task Force are investigating an incident of livestock worrying at Park Fields, Grinton which occurred between 20:00 hrs on Tuesday 30th June 2026 and 06:00 hrs Wednesday 1st July 2026 during which a dog has attacked a sheep within the fields and caused significant injury to its rear quarters. The injury was so significant that the sheep had to be euthanised to prevent further unnecessary suffering.

It is believed this incident may have been witnessed and we are appealing to anyone with information that can help us to progress the case further.

Livestock worrying is a serious offence and not only does it cause significant financial loss to the farming community it also causes emotional stress to those who rear animals and we would insist that anyone visiting the area of the North Yorkshire Dales takes this fact into account when walking their dogs on farmland occupied by livestock.

The law has recently been amended under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) amendment 2005 to include roads and public footpaths. Even the briefest of chases can cause stress and anxiety to livestock and in particular sheep and pregnant animals.

You can receive unlimited fines and may have your dog seized if found guilty of this offence.

Do you have any information which would assist North Yorkshire Police in finding those responsible and help keep your community safe?  

If you can assist, please call 101 quoting reference 12260123170

You can also email Gary.Smithowen@northyorkshire.police.uk

If you need any crime prevention or security advice, please use the following link https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/   

Contacts

Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111

Supporting Victims – 01904 669276