Attacks on sheep spark call for action

Last year, a black labrador and a Japanese Akita were photographed and traced following attacks on sheep and lambs in the Spear Hill area between Shipley and Ashington, but were allowed to remain with their owner.

The same two dogs were seen leaving grassland in the Spier Hill area two weeks ago after an attack took place on lambs and sheep owned by Matthew O'Neill.

On this occasion lambs were killed and 10 ewes were badly bitten. Mrs Zsa Roggendorff, who has 50 breeding ewes and fallows, with lambs at Oaklands Farm, Hooklands Lane, Shipley, said there were eight sheep farmers in the area stretching from Hooklands Lane to Spear Hill, and all were extremely concerned about the attacks.

"There was enough evidence last year, and we have been given a crime number by police. I am disappointed that no action has been taken. The Akita is bred as a guard dog and should not be allowed to roam free," she said.

For full story and police comment see West Sussex Gazette May 7