51AVÊÓÆµ

Over 20 sheep attacked by dog on Gloucestershire farm

Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed one sheep had been killed with another five expected to be humanely destroyed due to the extent of their injuries

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Gloucestershire Constabulary described the ordeal as 'shocking' for the farmer and his livestock
Image:

Gloucestershire Constabulary described the ordeal as 'shocking' for the farmer and his livestock

A farmer has been left to pick up the pieces after a ‘shocking' dog attack on 26 sheep in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said the incident took place on farmland near Wotton-Under-Edge on Thursday (November 2) when a dog attacked multiple sheep between 10pm and midnight.

Police confirmed one sheep had been killed while another five could potentially be humanely destroyed as a result of their injuries.

A further 20 sheep will require treatment for bite wounds.

See also: Police investigating suspected theft of nine pigs from Staffordshire farm

Sergeant Garrett Gloyn, of Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team, described the ordeal as ‘shocking' for the farmer with reports the dog owners were present during the time of the incident.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious at the time of the incident - including the identification of a camper van owner - on the B4060, or on Old London Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 94 of 3 November, .Ìý

See also: Cattle semen theft sparks security warnings

null
Take the Lead is a national campaign to raise awareness of sheep worrying and the importance of keeping dogs on a lead near livestock

Free signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through Farmers Guardian's Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.

To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.

We will be able to send up to 25 signs.

See also: Farmers on alert after Illegal butchering of cattle in Worcestershire

More on Rural crime

Dairy farmer handed livestock ban and hefty fine after admitting 13 animal welfare offences

Dairy farmer handed livestock ban and hefty fine after admitting 13 animal welfare offences

Officers discovered animals kept in unacceptable conditions on the farm in Liskeard back in 2024 with no change during a 2025 visit despite the farmer receiving advice

clock 01 June 2026 • 2 min read
Rural crime up 24% in Northern Ireland as crisis deepens

Rural crime up 24% in Northern Ireland as crisis deepens

While overall UK crime fell by 6%, the cost affecting Northern Ireland has risen to over £2 million

clock 30 May 2026 • 2 min read
Rural domestic abuse victims still being failed, report says

Rural domestic abuse victims still being failed, report says

Tackling domestic abuse requires the Government to confront inequality in how safety is designed and delivered, and to ensure rural victims, including children and families, are no longer overlooked

Chris Brayford
clock 29 May 2026 • 11 min read