30 lambs killed by pack of dogs
30 lambs killed by pack of dogs
A NORTHUMBERLAND farmer in the process of recovering from last years foot-and-mouth crisis has been dealt a second blow after 30 of his lambs were killed and 20 severely injured by marauding dogs.
The severity of the attack, at Gibbs Hill Farm, near Bardon Mill, has shocked vets, police and other farmers who say they have never seen anything like it before.
David Gibson said more of his lambs could have been killed had it not been for a neighbour who saw the attack and shot one of the dogs.
Mr Gibson said: "This is absolutely devastating. It is a huge loss to us as we are quite a small farm. It could close us down.
"The numbers that we have lost keep going up. Over 30 have died so far and 20 are injured – some badly – or missing. If one lamb dies in this business it is a disaster, so this is unbelievable.
Northumbria Police has launched an investigation into the attack and is appealing for help in identifying the owner of the dogs. *