Dog walkers urged to keep pets on leads as lambs killed in Badby

Dog owners are being reminded to keep their pets on a lead and under control when walking near livestock to prevent animals being injured or killed.

Officers from the Force’s Rural Crime Team have issued the reminder following the report of the death of 20 lambs in a field, off the A361 in the village of Badby, near Daventry.

The lambs were discovered in the field by a local farmer at 10am on Tuesday, July 26, however it is believed the sustained attack took place sometime after 4pm of Sunday, July 24.

Five of the lambs were found with injuries to their legs and necks, consistent with being bitten by a dog, whilst a further 15 are believed to have died through shock or being crushed in the stampede as the animals were chased in the field.

PC Dom Preece of the Rural Crime Team, who is investigating this incident, is reminding owners that they have a responsibility to keep their pets under control, and that dogs chasing livestock can legally be shot dead by farmers.

He said: “Whether farmer or pet owner, the death of an animal is devastating, but all of this is completely avoidable if people walking dogs keep them on a lead and under control around farm animals.

“This simple measure is part of responsible dog ownership, helps to protect pets and livestock alike, and means everyone can enjoy our beautiful countryside both safely and responsibly.”

The field in Charwelton Road is close to the village and popular with dog walkers, and officers are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch.

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 22000430931.

Incidents of livestock worrying should be reported online to the police or by calling the non-emergency 101 number. If the dog is in the process of worrying livestock and cannot be stopped, please call 999.

Anyone who shoots a dog to prevent livestock worrying must notify the police within 48 hours.

Tips for safe and responsible dog walking around livestock:

• Keep dogs on a lead and under control when walking through fields of livestock
• Always stick to public rights of way and leave all gates as you found them
• If you live beside land where livestock is grazed ensure you know where your dog is always, and keep your property secure so your dog cannot escape
• Cows can be curious and may follow walkers. If this happens, keep facing the animal and move calmly and slowly, don’t turn your back to it or run
• Steer well clear of young animals and do not try to pet them. Cows and calves will be protective and may become aggressive
• If you feel threatened by cattle when with a dog, let go of the lead so you and the dog can get to safety separately
• Dog owners MUST bag and bin their dog’s poo - it carries a parasite called Neospora which causes abortions in animals and the bags left on the ground can be ingested and cause slow painful deaths, or bailed into silage and eaten that way