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Pregnant Sheep Euthanized After Brutal Dog Attack
18 Feb
Summary
- Eight pregnant ewes were euthanized after a severe dog attack.
- The attack resulted in the loss of 24 lives, including unborn lambs.
- Nationally, dog attacks on farm animals cost £1.95m in 2025.
Eight pregnant ewes have been euthanized following a brutal dog attack near Shawbury, Shropshire. Farmer Beth Morris discovered 10 of her ewes severely injured, with eight, each carrying twins, succumbing to their wounds. "With the eight ewes that we have lost, we have lost 24 lives because of the unborn lambs," Morris stated, emphasizing the profound impact of the incident.
The attack occurred in a muddy field where the sheep were gathered. Morris found significant wool in one corner, indicating the severity of the assault. The injured sheep sustained damage to bones, tendons, and muscles, injuries Morris described as unprecedented.
This incident reflects a wider problem; national figures from NFU Mutual show farm animals valued at £1.95m were harmed or killed by dogs in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year. The Midlands region bore the highest financial cost at an estimated £438,000.
Morris reported seeing large dog footprints and human footprints in the mud, suggesting the dog was out of control for an extended period. The financial and emotional toll on her farm is significant, particularly as lambing season, peaking in March and April, is underway.
