An urgent appeal for information has been launched after a sheep was found with ’horrendous, gory injuries’, including its ears both ripped off – in a suspected dog attack.
RSPCA officers were called after a member of the public spotted the sheep on banking in Caerphilly on September 9.
The sheep was found with both ears completely ripped off, and numerous injuries across the face. Following veterinary care, the sheep is recovering from the ordeal.
RSPCA Cymru has met with the owner of the sheep who had no idea how the animal had experienced the injuries. A search for information has now been launched urging anyone in Caerphilly or surrounding areas with any knowledge about this attack to contact the RSPCA.
Dog owners may be liable to prosecution if their dog is caught worrying sheep.
Izzi Hignell, RSPCA inspector, said: “This poor sheep was found in an awful way – with horrendous, gory injuries, including both ears completely ripped off.
“This seems very likely to have been a dog attack. The sheep’s injuries are consistent with being mauled by a dog, which would have been a dreadful experience for the poor animal.
“Dog owners need to remember that they can be prosecuted if their dog worries sheep like this.
"The RSPCA continues to remind dog owners that an easy way to prevent such horrible events is to keep dogs on a lead around livestock. This simple step would likely have spared this poor sheep immense pain and stress.
“We do not know if this was a deliberate act on the part of the dog’s owner, or an accident - but we’re urging anyone with information to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The RSPCA has been working with other members of the Animal Welfare Network Wales (AWNW) to encourage responsible dog ownership while owners and their pets enjoy the countryside.
We have 1,000s of livestock worrying signs which you can nail to gateposts or fenceposts near footpaths to highlight the problem to walkers.
If you would like some of these signs, please send a stamped, self-addressed A4 envelope to
FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian,
Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park,
Preston, Lancashire,
PR2 9NZ.
You will need at least three First Class or Second Class stamps on to cover postage costs. We will be able send up to 25 signs.