Dog owners warned after spate of sheep worrying

Torridge District Council is reminding all dog walkers to please take care near sheep after a recent rise in incidents of sheep worrying on the Northam Burrows.

The country park is popular with dog walkers but is also a grazing common, where the residents of the ancient manor of Northam have exercised their right to graze animals for hundreds of years.

It is currently home to a small group of horses as well as a large flock of sheep.

The flock are particularly vulnerable at this time of year as pregnant ewes can abort due to the stress caused by sheep worrying.

Newborn lambs are also at increased risk of attack and while it is always important to keep dogs under control the Northam Burrows Ranger team are urging owners to take extra care at this time of year.

Councillor Lyndon Piper, lead member for leisure, said: “It is important to keep dogs under control in the park to avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock. Measures such as signs, leaflets, and other awareness-raising initiatives have been introduced, resulting in fewer incidents in recent years.

“However, the recent increase in incidents of sheep worrying is very concerning, particularly with the lambing season approaching. I urge all dog walkers to please act responsibly when walking on the Burrows.”

Sheep worrying is a criminal offence. Anyone that witnesses an incident can report it to the police on 101.