Two sheep killed by dogs near Knottingley.

We are appealing for witnesses and information after two sheep were killed and another two badly injured by dogs near Knottingley.

We are also reminding dog owners of their responsibility to keep their dog on a lead where there is livestock and that sheep worrying is a criminal offence. In some circumstances a farmer is entitled to shoot your pet if it attacks their livestock.  

The incident happened at around 9.30pm on Monday 2 June, at a farm off Weeland Road, when two lurcher dogs attacked several sheep in a field. The dogs (pictured) are described as being a brown lurcher and a tan/sand coloured lurcher.

We would like to speak to a man driving a dark coloured old model four-by-four who was seen nearby around this time.  We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, anyone who saw a similar vehicle around the time of the incident or anyone who knows the owner of the dogs.

Please email [email protected]  if you have any information that could help our investigation.

Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC Alice Gould, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Please quote reference 12250099367 when passing on information.

More advice for dog owners

• You must ensure a field or area has no livestock or wild animals in it before letting your dog off lead. 
• It’s the law to keep your dog is under control in an area where there are livestock or wild animals.
• Be particularly vigilant during lambing season and always keep dogs on a lead during this time.
• Don't allow people who may not be confident in doing so or may not have full control over the animal to walk your dog.
• Remember where there may be no livestock in a field one day, the same location could be full of animals the next.
• If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing livestock.
• In certain circumstances a farmer is entitled to shoot your dog if it is attacking their livestock.