Malvern Hills dog attack leaves sheep dead and owners warned

It is the fifth sheep to have been killed by a dog on the hills this year and has prompted fresh calls for dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.

The Malvern Hills Trust, which manages the hills, received a report on Thursday, November 10 from a member of the public who had spotted an injured sheep.

A grazier attended but it was clear the sheep’s injuries were so serious that nothing could be done and it was put down.

Cows grazing on the Malvern Hills (Image: Malvern Hills Trust)

Beck Baker, the Trust’s community and conservation officer, said: “It's so distressing to see the damage that can be done to another animal by a pet dog. This sheep will have suffered horribly before being put down.  

“We urge dog owners to always put their dogs on a lead when walking near livestock on the Malvern Hills and Commons.

READ MORE: Dog kills sheep on Malvern Hills with warning to owners

“If you cannot be certain that your dog will return immediately when called, whatever the circumstance, please keep your dog on a lead at all times.

“If all owners did this, together we'd put an end to these horrific incidents.”

Allowing your dog to worry (which includes chasing), bite or kill livestock is a criminal offence and the Trust said this incident has been reported to the police.

Livestock graze on Malvern Hills all year round

Cattle and sheep can be found grazing the Malvern Hills and Commons all year round.

The locations of livestock are published each week in Stockwatch updates on the Trust's website, on the Trust's social media and in the Malvern Gazette.

Beck added: “By providing the locations of grazing livestock we can help people be prepared before they visit with their dog.

“People should however be aware that much of the hills and commons are registered Common Land and it may be that livestock are found outside the areas listed in Stockwatch.”

Livestock are an essential part of the management of the Malvern Hills and Commons.

The cattle and sheep eat the bramble, scrub and young trees and this maintains the open grassland habitat.

This keeps the landscape special and benefits the geology, archaeology and wildlife found here, as well as maintaining access and views for visitors.