Home / Crime and Justice / Armed Police Raid Farm After Dog Kills 23 Sheep
Armed Police Raid Farm After Dog Kills 23 Sheep
7 Jan
Summary
- A rogue dog killed 23 sheep on a farm near Macclesfield.
- Farmer Alan Jackson estimated losses at £4,140 plus other costs.
- New livestock protection law comes too late for farmer's case.
On December 18, a farm in Gawsworth, near Macclesfield, became the scene of a significant livestock attack. A single dog entered farmer Alan Jackson's field a week before Christmas and killed 23 sheep. The total financial loss for Mr. Jackson amounts to £4,140 for the sheep, plus £276 for knackerman services and additional costs for cleanup.
The response from Cheshire Police involved at least eight officers, with five reportedly armed with shotguns and assault rifles. Mr. Jackson described the police presence as 'a little bit OTT' (over the top), noting that the disaster had already occurred by the time they arrived and the dog was gone. Police believe the dog may still have been in the field, contributing to the heavily armed response.
Despite Mr. Jackson's belief he knows the dog responsible and having three witnesses, legal action may be hindered. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, set to empower police with DNA evidence collection, will only come into force on March 18, 2026, precisely three months after this incident. Police are appealing for witnesses, suggesting the dog might have come from the direction of Artists Lane.
