Pet sheep ‘mauled’ to death in dog attack (From Northwich Guardian)

Pet sheep ‘mauled’ to death in dog attack

12:14pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Emma Rigby

AN animal lover from Northwich is appealing for information after her beloved pet sheep was “mauled” to death by a dog.

Angela Strickland, who lives on Hill Top Farm, just off the A556, was devastated to find one of her eight pet sheep fatally injured on the morning of October 21.

At approximately 10am, Angela was looking out of her window onto the fields where her sheep were grazing, when she noticed what she describes as a “large dog” running around.

Angela naturally ran outside, desperate to protect her pets, but was unfortunately too late.

The mother of four said: “I managed to chase the dog off but it had already had a good go at my sheep.

“It had large bite marks and deep wounds all over it – it had been mauled.
“From the state the sheep was in, I’d say the dog had been there for a good half an hour.”

After the attack, the dog ran towards Poors Woods, but Angela isn’t sure whether it went towards the Kingsmead estate or down to the river.

“I went down to the river after the attack. There were quite a lot of people around, fishermen and other walkers, but no one had seen the dog,” said Angela.

“My worry is that now it’s got the taste for it, it will come back at some point, or will attack something or someone else.

“I’ve got my sheep in the stables now and I’m not letting them out. I’ve put a guard up on the doors too so the dog can’t get back in.”

Angela, who also has a donkey, a rescue horse and a terrier, described the dog as being tan in colour and very large in size.

It was wearing a thick brown collar with a tag on it and although there was no one with the dog, she believes it to be a family pet due to its nature.

PCSO Caroline Stevens, of Northwich NPU, said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area to come forward if they have any information about this dog or the incident.

“If they do have any information then please call Cheshire Police on 101 or leave a message on our answer phone service on 0845 458 6392.”