Skip to content

Warning after newborn lamb killed by dog off lead

Hannah Lucas
BBC News
Katie Taylor MBE Three lambs with white fur standing in a green field. They are looking at the camera. The one furthest right has its back turned and is looking over its shoulder. There is a wooden fence in the background. They have red painted marks on the right side of their bodies. Katie Taylor MBE
Humberside Police have urged dog walkers to take precautions near livestock

A land owner has spoken of the "horrific" moment she saw a newborn lamb die after being attacked by a dog off its lead.

The newborn was grazing in a field of sheep with its mother when the "husky-type dog" strayed from the public footpath and attacked them near the Drewton Estate in South Cave, East Yorkshire, on 12 April.

Katie Taylor MBE, owner of the estate, said the lamb's mother was also attacked by the canine pet as she "tried to intervene" and described the incident as "frightening".

Humberside Police has warned dog owners to take extra precautions when walking near livestock, such as ensuring leads are secure, after the lamb reportedly "died of its injuries".

Warning: This story contains a photo some people may find distressing

The attack happened on the neighbouring farm to Ms Taylor's estate and the landowner said she was now looking after the lamb.

The 53-year-old said: "The lady had her dog off the lead [and she] couldn't control her dog.

"It was horrific, really, really awful".

She has urged owners to "put their dogs back on their leads".

"Follow our signage, respect our land and enjoy the footpaths through a private estate and respect our wildlife," she said.

Katie Taylor MBE A young dead lamb laying on green grass. It is on its side with closed eyes and bite marks around its right ear. It has white fur and grazes to its neck, where it had been attacked. It's legs are stretched out. Katie Taylor MBE
The newborn lamb died after it was attacked in a field near the Drewton Estate in South Cave

Humberside Police said it received reports the lamb was attacked at about 13:00 GMT in a field near Riplingham Road and had died.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We are encouraging dog owners to take precautions when walking near livestock. Ensuring leads are strong and secure, checking that fencing is reliable, and making sure those walking the dog can confidently handle it are important steps.

"Dog owners should practice recall with their dogs in a safe environment as an additional safety measure in case a dog slips its lead."

They said inquiries were ongoing and have appealed for anyone with information to contact the force.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

More on this story