Farmer demands action after dog attack kills 59 lambs

A Lancashire sheep farmer and slaughterhouse owner has written to the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Sir Stephen Watson, demanding his officers reopen an investigation into a serious sheep worrying incident.

Two large Alsatian dogs were involved in the attack, which took place near Wigan on Wednesday, 21 October, resulting in the death of 59 lambs, with a further eight still recovering from their injuries.

See also: Dog attacks on livestock now carry unlimited fines

It is understood that GMP officers attended the scene on the day, photographs and swabs were taken from the dead animals, and the dogs were then seized.

The farmer, Mr Blacklidge, says he was told DNA samples would be taken from the dogs and a full investigation would commence.

“However, 48 hours after the incident I contacted GMP for a progress report only to be told there was insufficient evidence to establish that the dogs were responsible,” he said.

“The officer continued that the costs and budgetary constraints were such that they were no longer prepared to authorise any further investigation. We were also informed that the seized dogs would be released back to their owner.”

£23,000 cost

As well as running a small abattoir in Wigan, Mr Blacklidge also has his own farm between Wigan and Chorley, raising sheep, pigs and goats. The sheep worrying incident happened on rented land at Aspull, away from the home farm.

He says the incident has cost him £23,000 in terms of the value of the lost animals and the cost of buying in replacements.

In his letter to Sir Stephen, Mr Blacklidge points out that The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which came into force in March 2026, specifically gives police the powers to intervene in sheep worrying incidents.

“Just seven months later, we are confronted with an incident involving 67 animals, an identifiable dog and owner, and forensic evidence already collected, only to be informed that the investigation has been closed because further enquiries are considered too costly,” he wrote.

He has demanded the immediate reopening of the investigation and requested that the dogs should be retained.

Police reponse

In response to further questions from Farmers Weekly, GMP said officers were carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

Detective chief inspector Lee Shaw from our Wigan district said: “This incident had a shocking and heart-breaking impact on the livelihood of members in our community, and we understand the immense distress and concern it will have caused.

“I would like to reassure you that we are taking this matter incredibly seriously, and an investigation is underway to identify those responsible.”

Anyone with further information is urged to get in touch by phoning 0161 856 4101, or through the LiveChat function on the GMP our website, quoting log 1066 of 21/10/26.