This morning (30th October 2026) police received another report of sheep being attacked by a dog in the fields surrounding Carisbrooke Castle.
The flock in this field has been subjected to a number of attacks over the last 12 months, including incidents on 2nd November last year, and 30th January, 3rd August and 9th August this year.
Latest attack leaves three sheep injured
The most recent incident, which is suspected to have occurred some time between 29th and 30th October, has resulted in three sheep being injured. They will all have to be put down as a result.
Police appeal for information
We are making enquiries and ask anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting 44260531710.
We once again urge dog owners to please be responsible around livestock, and to make yourselves aware of the law surrounding livestock worrying.
What is livestock worrying?
Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with livestock, which can result in significant injury or suffering and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved.
This also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.
If you see a livestock worrying incident in progress, please dial 999.
What the law says
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock and dog owners risk prosecution.
We recognise that the majority of dog owners walk their dogs in a responsible manner, but unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.
How to keep dogs and livestock safe
Some key points to bear in mind to help with the welfare of livestock and your dog:
- It is so important to keep dogs either on leads or under close control around livestock.
- If you are walking your dog in a field and there is no livestock, please keep the dog in sight at all times, be aware of what it is doing, and be confident it will return to you promptly on command. If you cannot be confident of this, the dog should not be off the lead.
- Ensure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.
- It is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock. We want owners to be aware that in such instances, the owner or person in control of the dog can be prosecuted, and as a last resort the dog can be shot by the farmer to end an attack.
News shared by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, in their own words. Ed
