Police hunt dog owners after pack of out-of-control animals slaughter 30 sheep

Police have released graphic images of a flock of sheep that was slaughtered by a pack of dogs in a shocking Christmas attack, as they hunt the dog owners. 

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team have shared the images of 30 sheep that are believed to have been chased to exhaustion by a pack of out-of-control dogs before they were mauled to death.

The sheep were killed in fields near the small village of Utkinton, Cheshire, between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Writing on the police Facebook page, the force said: ‘Yet another abhorrent sheep-worrying incident.

‘This atrocious event occurred in fields sometime between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunchtime, off John Street, Utkinton.

‘Only limited actual bloody attack wounds are present indicating the dogs have chased and worried the majority of the sheep too become stressed and panicked and exhausted.

‘Beyond the appalling animal suffering and criminal offences committed this is a huge loss to the farmer.

‘Enquiries are ongoing but if you have any relevant information please get in touch.

‘This attack with the limited injuries is a case in point to illustrate that dogs need not be ferocious or actually necessarily physically attack livestock to cause catastrophic results.

‘Please ensure your dog is always under proper control in the countryside.

‘Remember the ‘Animals Act’ 1971 imposes ‘Strict Liability’ on this key point following a livestock attack; meaning that there is NO DEFENCE!’