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21
Oct 2021
Warning for dog walkers after four sheep killed near Pinewoods
The attacks, which took place in a field behind RHS Harlow Carr, have prompted Pinewoods Conservation Group to put up signs reminding dog walkers to keep their animals under control.
Dog walkers in the Pinewoods have been warned to keep their dogs on leads after a spate of attacks left four sheep dead.
The attacks took place in a field behind RHS Harlow Carr.
The charity Pinewoods Conservation Group, which promotes the maintenance and conservation of the Pinewoods, is to put up temporary signs reminding dog walkers to keep their animals under control.
A spokesperson said:
“We are very disappointed to hear about the killing of four sheep adjacent to the Pinewoods. We would remind all dog walkers to keep their animals under control at all times.
"This does not only protect these sheep, but also our many visitors and varied wildlife. Temporary signage will be erected on the main path from RHS Harlow Carr to Harlow Moor Road to enforce this message.”
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Dogs can kill or injure sheep, even if they don't catch them, because the stress can cause sheep to die or miscarry lambs.
Sheep fleeing from dogs are often killed or seriously injured by their panicked attempts to escape, causing damage to fences and field boundaries in the process.
Figures from farming organisation the NFU said that the cost of farm animals killed by dogs rose by over 10% last year to an estimated £1.3m.
Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said:
“Dog attacks are easily preventable if owners keep their pets under control and on a lead when livestock may be nearby. Doing so keeps sheep and their lambs safe from harm and stops a country walk turning into carnage.”
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