Fatal Shooting of Dog Follows Deaths of 19 Sheep in Multiple Incidents

A dog was fatally shot following a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of 19 sheep and injuries to others. Cheshire Police reported that twelve animals were killed on farmland near Congleton between Thursday evening and Friday morning. Police also stated that additional sheep succumbed to their injuries or were killed in a distinct attack that occurred on Monday. A farmer used a shotgun to kill one of the two dogs implicated in the incidents, while the second dog subsequently returned home, according to police. In a statement, Cheshire Police affirmed: “We assess that the actions of the farmer were proportionate, necessary and legal.” The statement continued: “No farmer wants to have to shoot a dog but sadly they have been left with absolutely no choice on this occasion.” Officers utilized a drone in their search for the second dog, described as a ginger cross-breed approximately the size of a Labrador, prior to its return home. The police force indicated that the owner of the dogs had presented themselves and would undergo an interview under caution at a later time. The force also noted that the shooting was “clearly a sensitive matter” and requested the public to permit officers to conduct their investigation “without undue speculation.” Content from BBC Stoke & Staffordshire is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This material is copyrighted by the BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC states it is not accountable for the content found on external sites and provides details on its approach to external linking.