Armed police respond after sheep killed in dog attack

Armed police attended a Cheshire farm near Macclesfield just before Christmas after receiving reports that a dog had mauled sheep, prompting a large-scale response and an ongoing witness appeal.

At least eight officers were seen at a farm in Gawsworth, near Macclesfield, after a dog allegedly entered a field and attacked livestock.

Farmer Alan Jackson, 65, said 23 of his sheep ultimately died after the incident.

See also: Dog attacks on livestock now carry unlimited fines

Cheshire police confirmed that “armed police also attended the scene, but no firearms were dispatched”.

Mr Jackson told the Daily Mail that “it was a little bit OTT [over the top], I must admit. But nevertheless they did come, but when they got there, the disaster had already happened, and the dog was long gone.”

He said he believed armed officers attended because a neighbour mistakenly reported the dog was still in the field, leading police to expect a dangerous animal. “I don’t think illegal action will come of it,” he told the Daily Mail.

Cheshire Police said officers were called to reports of a livestock attack on fields off Bradford Lane, Nether Alderley.

A spokesman said: “At around 1pm on Thursday, 18 December, police were called to reports that a dog had attacked a number of sheep on a farm on Bradford Lane, Nether Alderley.

“Officers from the Rural Crime Team attended the scene and found that 21 sheep had been killed by an unknown dog.”

In an appeal, police said four further sheep were injured, and others were initially missing, but later found.

The force estimated the financial cost at just over £5,000 and described the suffering caused as “extremely significant”.

Police are seeking witnesses or information via 101, quoting crime reference 25001031283.

From 18 December 2025, farmers are covered by strengthened legal measures designed to address dog attacks on livestock.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 increases the maximum penalty for livestock worrying in England and Wales from £1,000 to an unlimited fine and grants police enhanced powers to investigate such incidents more effectively.