Dog owners warned after spate of sheep deaths

Dog owners in Worcestershire have been urged to keep their animals under control following a spate of sheep attacks, which have killed three.

The Malvern Hills Trust said it had recorded the deaths this year, which were as a result of dogs not being kept under proper control. The trust has also reported a further six attacks on livestock so far in 2026.

Sheep worrying is illegal in the UK and a revised law earlier this year introduced unlimited fines and dog seizures for convicted owners.

Deborah Fox, CEO for the trust, claimed attacks on animals were "an ongoing problem" and said the charity was focused on "educating the public to be aware around livestock and put their dogs on the lead".

All dogs around livestock have to be trained to address prey drive, which is a natural instinct to chase other animals, regardless of breed.

The latest death occurred after a lamb sustained critical injuries to its back legs and eventually had to be put down.

"I felt quite sick about the incident because I saw the pictures and I saw this poor injured lamb with these terrible injuries to its legs and it's not something that anyone wants to see or experience," Fox said.

"I find it difficult to take on board that anyone wouldn't think about keeping their dog under close control in the knowledge that that could happen."

Attacks on sheep and other animals can have deep consequences on farmers who depend on them to make money.

"It's extremely distressing for all concerned whether it's graziers, our rangers, who often are the ones that find the injured animals, or for members of the public," Fox remarked.

"For our graziers, there's that added element that they have lost part of their flock that they really deeply care for and they rely on for their livelihoods."

Grazing animals are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep vegetation down and keep landscapes safe from excessive fire risk.

"Of the land we care for, 90% is registered common land," said Marie Dipple, community and conservation officer at the Malvern Hills Trust.

"Grazing helps maintain the open aspect, the wonderful views and special wildlife habitats too."

She continued: "Graziers and visitors both have the right to access the hills and commons, and it is important that in this shared landscape, we respect others and play our part in the community."