Waltham Abbey dog owners agree to conditions after livestock attack in Nazeing
The dogs killed 8 sheep and injured 12 others.
Two dog owners from Waltham Abbey have agreed to strict conditions after their pets attacked a flock of sheep in Nazeing, resulting in the death and injury of 20 sheep.
The incident, which occurred on 30th December 2025, prompted an investigation by the Rural Engagement Team after police received reports of the attack.
The dogs reportedly escaped from their home and entered a field where 20 sheep were grazing.
Eight sheep died, and 12 others sustained injuries, some serious.
The owners, a 40-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, have since been issued with a community protection warning.
Additionally, the man has been required to attend a responsible dog ownership course as part of a community resolution.
Investigating officer PC James Nickless commented on the situation, noting that livestock owners typically seek to ensure dog owners learn from such events to prevent them in the future rather than pursuing criminal charges.
“After speaking to the owner of the sheep we agreed a course of action to support responsible dog ownership,” Nickless said.
The community protection warning mandates that both owners secure their property boundaries to prevent the dogs from escaping.
It also requires that the dogs are walked on a fixed lead no more than 1.5 metres long in public and are not walked by anyone under 16.
Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to the issuance of a community protection notice, a breach of which is a criminal offence.
The victim retains the option to pursue a private prosecution or civil action.