Appeal for witnesses after sheep left injured after attack

Hampshire and Isle of Wight police have issued an appeal to anyone who saw a dog injure a sheep during the day on Saturday, June 2 in a field off Military Road.

A sheep was left injured in a Brighstone field following the attack.

Isle of Wight Police are keen to remind dog owners of the importance of being in full control of their dog when in the countryside and around livestock and wild animals.

Dog owners should be aware that in instances where a dog does injure or attack livestock, the owner or person in control of the dog can be prosecuted and the dog can be shot by the farmer to end an attack.

Police have offered advice for dog owners:

  • keep your dog on a lead when in a field with livestock
  • keep the dog in sight at all times and be confident they will return to you promptly on command
  • ensure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.

A spokesperson from the Isle of Wight Police said: “This seems to be a frequent occurrence now across the Island. This type of incident unfortunately happens most years.

“It would be great to somehow spread the message of the importance of keeping dogs on leads near livestock, no matter how well behaved a dog is.”

Those who have any information regarding the incident on Saturday should call 101 and quote 44180205221.