Police are appealing for information after what is believed to be a dog attack on sheep at a farm in the Jeffreyston area.

Two sheep and a lamb were killed following the incident, which is thought to have taken place between Monday, February 27, and Tuesday, February 28.

Dog owners and those in charge of dogs have a responsibility to ensure that their animals do not worry livestock. It is an offence under section 1 of The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 for the owner or the person in charge of a dog if that dog worries livestock on agricultural land. This offence can attract a maximum fine of £1,000.

Farmers who witness dogs worrying livestock, act within the law if they kill or cause injury to a dog if it is done so to protect livestock, but they also need to notify the officer in charge of a police station (i.e. their local police) of the killing within 48 hours. (Section 9 of The Animals Act 1971).

PC Matt Harris said: “I would urge dog owners and especially those who live in rural areas to ensure that dogs are kept on a lead when walking in areas where livestock are kept. The destruction caused which can have a heavy financial implication on the livestock owner and the dog owner, is unnecessary and can be avoided.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC478 Matt Harris at Tenby Police Station on 101.

Top Tips for Dog Walkers

If you are walking your dog in the countryside: do not allow your dog to enter a field on its own and keep it under your control at all times; keep your dog on a lead when crossing through fields that contain livestock. However, don’t hang onto your dog if you are threatened by cattle, let it go as the cattle will chase the dog; stick to public rights of way.