Dog owners are being urged to keep pets on leads and under close control near livestock following a sheep attack near Cod Beck Reservoir.
The incident happened at about 10am on Saturday, May 16, in a popular dog-walking area near Osmotherley.
According to North Yorkshire Police, a sheep was attacked by a red setter-type dog. A member of the public intervened and pulled the sheep away from the dog to prevent further injury.
Despite this, the sheep suffered severe injuries and later had to be euthanised.
Police said a second sheep with serious injuries was also found later the same day.
Officers say the area has seen similar incidents before and are appealing for witnesses or information about the dog or its owner.
Sergeant David Lund, of the force’s Rural Task Force, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners of the importance of keeping their dogs under close control and on a lead when in the vicinity of livestock, in order to prevent further incidents of this nature.
“It is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock. This includes attacking livestock, chasing livestock in a way that may cause injury or suffering, or being at large in a field where livestock are present. Dog owners can be prosecuted if their dog is found to be responsible for such behaviour.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 12260088842, or email [email protected].
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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