Police seek dog after series of sheep deaths

Police are searching for the owner of a distinctive dog believed to have been involved in a series of fatal sheep attacks in Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police has launched an investigation into nine reports of sheep worrying and attacks at farms with a "blue merle collie type dog" having been sighted in affected areas.

With at least 35 sheep killed and "dozens more" suffering serious injuries, the spate of incidents had been "extremely distressing" for farmers, said PC Lucy Wyatt, rural affairs officer.

She added: "We appreciate that the owner may be completely unaware that their dog is leaving home during the evening or overnight, and we are keen to identify them as soon as possible."

The force said officers were becoming "increasingly concerned" about the rise in incidents, with attacks taking place in the Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton and Stockleigh English areas.

The dog sighted in these areas was described as a blue merle collie cross-type dog with distinctive markings – a brown muzzle, brown legs, blue/brown across its head and black markings on its back.

Wyatt said: "The dog is quite distinctive and has been seen in the areas where sheep have been found injured or killed. It appears to be nervous and moves very quickly."

The most recent incidents took place overnight between 18 and 19 September.

A Valais ewe was killed and another injured in the Poughill area, while six lambs were killed and 20 seriously injured on land in the Pennymoor area.

One sheep was killed and several others were injured between 17 and 18 September near Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Earlier attacks happened in the same area between 1 and 3 September, causing an estimated £15,000 loss and injury to livestock.

Further incidents were reported in Cheriton Fitzpaine and Stockleigh English, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Those who recognised the dog's description or had seen a blue merle collie type dog "roaming loose" in the area were asked to get in touch with police.

"We are also encouraging livestock owners to take any additional steps they can to secure gateways and fields, where possible, and we would like to hear from anyone else whose sheep may have been attacked in the area, " she added.

A revised law around sheep worrying came into force this year, with dog owners now facing unlimited fines if they are convicted.

The change also means police can seize and detain dogs.

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