Appeal for witnesses following sheep deaths

Information is sought by officers seeking to identify the owner or person in charge of two dogs following an attack on livestock near Maidstone.

Kent Police was called just after 9.30am on Sunday 11 February 2024, to a report that two small, brown, terrier-like dogs were worrying sheep in a field off Chartway Street, Kingswood.

Nine sheep were attacked and subsequently died as a result of their injuries.

Appeal

Officers from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force are now appealing for witnesses and information to identify those responsible for the dogs, that were without collars or leads at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 11-0354. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.

Facts about sheep worrying

Under the Animals Act 1971, a person acting to protect livestock may be able to kill or injure a dog that he/she reasonably believes is `worrying' without incurring any criminal or civil liability.

As a dog owner or a person for the time being in charge of a dog, you could be committing an offence if your pet worries livestock on agricultural land.

Worrying includes attacking or chasing livestock in a way that might reasonably be expected to cause injury or suffering or loss.

It can also be an offence to have a dog in a field or enclosed space where livestock is being kept, when the dog is not on a lead or under close control.