Sheep 'mauled and left for dead' in Northumberland dog attack

Northumbria Police has now released an image of a man they need to trace following the case of sheep worrying in Bardon Mill near Hexham in Northumberland.

Officers received a report of a mauled sheep left for dead, with injuries consistent of a dog attack, at Hot Bank Farm, near Steel Rigg car park, at around 9am on Wednesday October 7.

Inquiries into the incident in question are ongoing and the force has now released an image of a man they need to trace.

He was in the area at the time of the incident and could have information that can assist with the investigation.

Following the incident, Pc Alex Partington, of Northumbria Police’s Rural Crime Team, has issued a reminder to dog walkers.

He said: “Rural dog owners and those who choose to exercise their dogs in the countryside must ensure they are under control at all times and avoid going into fields where livestock are grazing.

“The worrying of sheep and other livestock not only has an obvious financial and emotional impact on farmers when their animals are killed or injured, but also has an effect on the animals themselves, their productivity and welfare.

“We are committed to ensuring all reported cases of livestock being attacked by dogs are thoroughly investigated and offenders robustly dealt with.”

The man, or anyone who knows him should contact police on 101 quoting log 50 081020.

People can also report information online via the Northumbria Police website or email the investigating officer on [email protected].

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