Police hunt owner as out-of-control dogs savage nearly 50 lambs leaving 24 dead

25 April 2023 , 11:06

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A flock of lambs in Kent was attacked (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Two out-of-control dogs are said to have savaged a flock of lambs leaving nearly 50 dead or injured.

The horrifying attack saw two loose canines wreak havoc on farmland - killing a ewe and 23 lambs, while leaving another 23 seriously wounded.

Following the devastating maulings one of the animals - thought to be an Akita - was seized and police are hunting the owner of the pair.

Officers were called to fields in Sturry, near Canterbury, Kent, at about 6am on Saturday (April 22) after walkers saw the dogs attacking the farm animals.

After officers went to the farm, they were able to catch one Akita-type dog, while the other had already left the scene.

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Cops launched an appeal to track down the owner as the seized dog did not have a microchip or a collar.

Vets who treated the 23 injured sheep believe even more could die from their wounds in the coming days.

A ewe and 23 lambs died in the attack, but it is understood a further 23 lambs were seriously injured.

A statement from White Mills Veterinary Clinic, which was called to treat the wounded animals, said "more deaths are likely in the coming days".

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police's Rural Task Force, said: "This was a very distressing incident, with so many lambs having needlessly lost their lives.

"Offences of this kind also have a huge impact on farmers, who have often spent years building up flocks.

"We are determined to locate the dogs' owners and I urge anyone who has any information about how these dogs came to be in this area to get in contact with us."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 22-0239, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alex Jee