Appeal for information as police investigate dog attack incident which left four sheep dead and others badly injured

POLICE are investigating a dog attack incident on farmland at Statham, Lymm, which left at least four sheep killed and others, including baby lambs, badly injured.

The attack took place on fields off Statham Lane, near a dairy farm on Pool Lane.

Local dairy farm GP Broadsmith & Son who are based at nearby Pool Farm put out an appeal for information and are now seeking to contact a golfer who alerted them to the attack which happened at 11;40am yesterday (March 30).

Joe Broadsmith said:”We have had sheep grazing on some of our fields down Statham Lane, near to Lymm Golf Club. Sadly we were informed today (March 30) that an individual who was trespassing across the fields allowed their dog(s) loose amongst the sheep. 16 sheep/lambs have been attacked, 4 of which have sadly died.

“The rest have significant injuries and many may not survive.

“Many of the lambs have broken legs due to the attacks by the dogs.

“If anyone was in the area and saw anything that may help us to identify this person, please do let us know as this is devastating news and it is simply unacceptable.

“After realising the extent of the mauling, we have since tried to contact the golfer to ask for a description of the owner(s) and the dog(s) but we were unable to retrieve their telephone number. We have contacted the golf club and we are hoping the publicity might help in getting back in touch with the witness. Hopefully, there may have been other golfers who saw as there is a good view of the field from the golf course.”

Sadly since the attack yesterday several of the lambs have also had to be put to sleep.

It is understood there was at least one dog (possibly two) and it may have been a Staffordshire bull terrier or similar-looking dog.

Mr Broadsmith added: “There is no footpath across the field which was fenced off with an electric fence. The only footpath is along Statham Lane.”

A Cheshire Police Spokesman said: “Today, Thursday, March 31, police were contacted by a man who reported that a number of sheep had been attacked by a dog in a field off Pool Lane in Lymm.

“A number of sheep have died as a result of the incident.

“Enquiries in relation to the attack are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us.”