Virtually 30 pregnant sheep have been killed in a suspected canine assault which passed off in Teynham, close to Sittingbourne in Kent between Christmas day and Boxing day.

It was reported that barking was heard on Deerton avenue between 4:00p.m and 5:00pm on Christmas day, nonetheless, it wasn’t till 1:00p.m the next afternoon that the 27 lifeless ewes have been found.

In a press release, PC Marc Pennicott of Kent Police’s Rural Job Pressure stated the incident was “very distressing” and that it’s “presumably the worst livestock assault we’ve ever had”.

“The sheep would have been petrified and had no method of escaping. [Some] have been pregnant with twins or triplets.

“We consider they might have been attacked by one canine however can’t rule out that extra canines might have additionally been accountable,” he added.

Pennicott additionally identified the monetary losses suffered by the farmer and the priority amongst surrounding rural communities that different flocks may be attacked.

Due to this, the PC stated it’s “extraordinarily vital” that the animals accountable and their house owners are discovered, in order that different livestock don’t stay susceptible.

“These canines would have been coated in mud and returned residence exhausted and we’re dedicated to figuring out their house owners,” he stated.

Latest sheep assaults

Sheep assaults and livestock worrying incidents have gotten a rising challenge proper throughout the UK and in Eire, with many calls issued for tighter laws round canine possession and duty.

Moreover, sheep and lamb thefts have turn out to be a significant issue. Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s rural crime workforce lately urged flock house owners to be vigilant and acknowledged that just about 25 thefts had been reported within the earlier weeks.

The workforce acknowledged that one incident noticed quite a few animals killed in fields earlier than their skins have been left behind. PC Scott Giles urged farmers to maintain an in depth eye on their inventory numbers.

“We’re urging farmers, and members of the general public together with hikers and canine walkers, to be additional vigilant of any uncommon exercise, be it folks or autos of their native areas, and make contact with police with any suspicious behaviour.

“We’d additionally like to listen to from anybody being provided low cost or unpackaged meat,” he stated.