AN INVESTIGATION has been launched following reports of four sheep being shot near Ystradgynlais, and another four sheep being attacked by a dog.

Dyfed-Powys Police has appealed for information after the reported shooting of the four ewes in Coelbren, as well as the alleged dog attack.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE BELOW

Just last month, Dyfed-Powys Police issued a plea for dog owners to keep their pets on leads when walking near livestock as more sheep worrying incidents and attacks have been happening.

Sheep worrying, which includes allowing dogs to attack or chase sheep, is an offence. In some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.

When dogs are off leads and chase sheep, they can cause significant damage. Even if not physically hurt, the stress can cause a ewe to miscarry their lambs.

Dyfed-Powys Police’s rural crime team have been investigating a number of recent incidents of attacks on livestock, as well as sheep worrying incidents.

South Wales Guardian: Police are investigating after reports that four ewes were shot and four sheep were attacked by a dog.Police are investigating after reports that four ewes were shot and four sheep were attacked by a dog. (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

PSCO Billy Dunne, from Dyfed-Powys Police’s rural crime team, said: “We are coming into lambing season so it is vital that people have full control of their dogs around sheep.

“I’m a dog lover but I wouldn’t dream of not having my dogs on a lead where there are sheep. I just wouldn’t trust them. Their instinct is to chase sheep, it is a game to them, and once the sheep run they go at them.

“The damage a dog can do to sheep in the blink of an eye is horrific. And it is important to remember that a farmer is within their legal rights to shoot a dog worrying sheep on their land.”

Rob Taylor QPM, Wales rural and wildlife police crime coordinator, added: “Livestock attacks by dogs are all too common in our rural areas.

“If you are walking your dog where sheep are present please always use a lead, and if you are  leaving your pet at home unsupervised then make sure your garden or home is secure to prevent them escaping.

“We have a brand new law that is currently passing through Parliament which will increase police powers, fines and powers that a court currently possess and hopefully get those irresponsible dog owners to change their ways.”

Anyone with any information about these latest incidents in Coelbren should contact Dyfed-Powys Police online via https://orlo.uk/ZiIA6, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, witnesses can also get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.