Police hunt owner of distinctive dog linked to deadly sheep attacks across Mid Devon
At least 35 sheep have been killed in a series of attacks near Crediton
Police are trying to identify the owner of a dog believed to be behind a series of fatal sheep attacks in Mid Devon.
Officers are investigating nine reports of sheep worrying and attacks at farms in the Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton and Stockleigh English areas in recent weeks.
At least 35 sheep have been killed, with dozens more left seriously injured, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
The most recent attacks happened overnight between 18th and 19th September.
A Valais ewe was killed and another injured in the Poughill area, while six lambs were killed and 20 seriously injured on land near Pennymoor.
One sheep was killed and several others were injured between 17th and 18th September near Cheriton Fitzpaine.
Earlier attacks in the same area between 1st and 3rd September caused an estimated £15,000 in losses and injuries to livestock, police said.
Further incidents have been reported in Cheriton Fitzpaine and Stockleigh English.
Officers said they are becoming increasingly concerned about the rise in attacks and are appealing for help to trace a dog seen in the area.
It is described as a Blue Merle Collie cross-type dog with distinctive markings, including a brown muzzle, blue and brown colouring across its head and black markings on its back.
Rural Affairs Officer PC Lucy Wyatt said: "We appreciate that the owner may be completely unaware that their dog is leaving home during the evening or overnight, and we are keen to identify them as soon as possible.
"These incidents have been extremely distressing for the farmers affected and have resulted in significant losses to their livestock.
"The dog is quite distinctive and has been seen in the areas where sheep have been found injured or killed. It appears to be nervous and moves very quickly.
"We would ask anyone who recognises the description of the dog, or who has seen a Blue Merle Collie type dog roaming loose in the area, to please get in touch with us.
"We are also encouraging livestock owners to take any additional steps they can to secure gateways and fields, where possible, and we would like to hear from anyone else whose sheep may have been attacked in the area."
Anyone with information can report it through the force website or by calling 101, quoting reference 50260250003.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555111.