Police appeal after lamb injured in Flintshire livestock attack

In a concerning incident in Flintshire, a lamb has been reported injured following a livestock attack.

The North Wales Police Rural Crime Team is actively investigating the incident, which occurred on land off Downing Lane, Whitford, in Holywell.

The attack is believed to have taken place within the last 24 hours.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but the injury to the lamb will no doubt raise concerns about the safety of livestock in the area.

A video shared by the police shows the lamb with a severely injured right leg, limping across a field.

A lamb has been injured following a livestock attack in Flintshire. The incident has taken place sometime within the last day on land off Downing Lane, Whitford, Holywell. Anyone with info to contact officers on 101, or via the website, using reference number A134774. pic.twitter.com/a23mWE62IQ

— NWP Rural Crime Team/Tîm Troseddau Cefn Gwlad HGC (@NWPRuralCrime) August 23, 2023

Anyone with information regarding the attack is encouraged to contact officers on 101 or via the North Wales Police website using reference number A134774.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities and the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of livestock.

With local countryside, parks, and coastlines providing idyllic settings for dog walks, effective control of pets is crucial for the protection of wildlife, livestock, horses, and the comfort of other people. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Keeping a dog in sight, ensuring it responds to commands, and adhering to local signage are key steps for dog owners to respect their surroundings. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

It is advisable that dogs are kept on a lead or within sight, under the owner’s control, and prevented from straying from designated paths or access areas. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

The stark reality of the risks posed to livestock is highlighted with the warning that a farmer can legally shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock, with the farmer potentially not being liable for compensation. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​