Police dog kills sheep during chase at Buckland Newton

The attack happened in the early hours of the morning following a suspected armed raid on Court Farm Business Park in Buckland Newton, owned by Martin Perrett.

The sheep farmer, who rents a neighbouring field, discovered the three mutilated bodies the following day.

The farmer, who does not wish to be named, said he was ‘disappointed’ with Dorset Police for not contacting him about the attack.

He said: “I was very disappointed with the police for not getting in contact with me.

“It was up to me to find out and approach them.

“They were not initially helpful but now that I’m dealing with the inspector in charge of the police dog unit, they’ve been very good.”

He added: “I haven’t had the vet bills back yet but I’ve had to pay a £17.50 disposal charge per ewe, I’m also getting the sheep valued.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Officers attended an address at Buckland Newton at 2am on February 3, following a report of a burglary.

“Officers were told that several men had made off on foot, at the time it was believed that those men may have been armed.

“While tracking the alleged offenders across nearby fields, dog handlers decided it was necessary to release their dogs in order to track the fleeing men.

“Officers took reasonable steps to ensure that the fields did not contain any livestock however, due to darkness and inclement weather conditions, a number of sheep were not noticed.

“Unfortunately, a police dog attacked and killed one sheep and it’s understood a further two sheep were also injured and subsequently put down.”

He added: “The farmer has been in contact with the Dorset Police dog section and it’s agreed he will be fully compensated for the death of a sheep, the vet bills and other costs incurred.

“Apparently the farmer was satisfied with this decision.

“Dorset Police deeply regrets any distress caused to the farmer and the animals, the dog will undergo additional training to try and avoid any similar incidents in the future.”