Around 30 sheep are thought to have been killed (stock image)
(Picture: PA Archive)A suspected dog attack that led to the deaths of 27 pregnant sheep has been described by Kent Police as “possibly the worst livestock attack we have ever had”.
The ewes, some of which were pregnant with twins or triplets, were attacked between Christmas Eve and 1pm on Boxing Day.
It happened in a field near Deerton Street in Teynham, near Sittingbourne, and barking was heard in the area between 4pm and 5pm on Christmas Day.
A police spokesman said they believe the attack was carried out by one dog but "cannot rule out" that more dogs may have been involved.
PC Marc Pennicott of the Kent Police rural task force said: "This is a distressing incident which is possibly the worst livestock attack we have ever had.
"The farmer has not only suffered a financial loss due to this incident but animals have needlessly lost their lives.
"These dogs would have been covered in mud and returned home exhausted and we are committed to identifying their owners.
"The remaining livestock have also been left vulnerable to a further attack, so it is extremely important that we find who is responsible for these dogs as quickly as possible."
Witnesses are sought after 27 sheep were found dead following a dog attack near #Sittingbourne.
— Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) December 30, 2022
The ewes, which were all believed to be pregnant, were attacked between Christmas Eve and 1pm on Boxing Day, at a location near Deerton Street in #Teynham. https://t.co/OfOdVaOjEf
Teynham is a large village on the eastern side of the county and the attack happened on Deerton Street.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 26-0510.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
