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Chatham farmer says dogs need to be on leads following third attack on sheep at field in Lordswood

12:35, 12 September 2024

updated: 13:05, 12 September 2024

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

A farmer has said he is “disgusted” after one of his lambs was attacked by an off-the-lead dog for the third time in less than two years.

George Johnson, 20, was alerted to the attack on the five-month-old lamb at Sharsted Farm, Shawsted Road, Gillingham, at around 10am yesterday (September 11).

Although the lamb has survived the farmer says he is disgusted it keeps happening
Although the lamb has survived the farmer says he is disgusted it keeps happening

CCTV captured by George’s landowner shows a medium-size white dog entering the fenced-off field at around 8.07am and leaving at around 8.20am.

The lamb was left “nearly dead” after sustaining around eight punctures across its body and face.

It is believed the dog got through a bit of fence as the field backs onto woodland with three footpaths surrounding the farm which George says are “well-travelled”.

Last November, another of George’s lambs was attacked by a husky.

There are signs warning people of livestock around the property, and how to handle your pet on the lead, which the farmer says makes the incident “inexcusable”.

The injuries to the lamb sustained at Sharsted Farm, Shawsted Road, Gillingham
The injuries to the lamb sustained at Sharsted Farm, Shawsted Road, Gillingham
Punctures to the lamb sustained at Sharsted Farm, Shawsted Road, Gillingham
Punctures to the lamb sustained at Sharsted Farm, Shawsted Road, Gillingham

He said: “I think ignorance is the reason it keeps happening. Not a lot of people educate themselves on this sort of thing.

“Keep your dog on a lead. Even if you think you have control of the dog off the lead, you don’t – they can just switch.

“The amount of time we spend giving love and care to our animals feels not really worth it, when some people are not willing to respect the area around them.

“It breaks me to see my livestock like this.”

The 20-year-old, who lives in Lordswood, has around 35 animals on the grazing ground.

Farmer George with one of his show lambs
Farmer George with one of his show lambs

When he arrived at 12.30am after leaving his work at an arable farm in Ashford, he found the lamb dripping with blood.

The animal was going to be part of his show stock, to showcase high-quality lambs.

Although it has survived the night, George said: “It could take a turn for the worst and just die.”

The police said officers within the Rural Task Force have been made aware of the incident.

Speaking of the ordeal, George said: “I am disgusted that it keeps happening.

“Remember to keep your dogs on the lead – dogs found in with our sheep will be dealt with accordingly.”

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