Sixteen sheep killed in ‘appalling attack’ on Mid Sussex farm

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the killings at Pegden House Farm in Nash Lane, Scaynes Hill.

Officers say the attack happened between 1am and 4am this morning (Friday November 20).

Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team say they suspect that a large dog, possibly from the local area, jumped into the field and attacked the flock of sheep.

Sergeant Jon Attfield said: “We want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident.

“This appalling attack has left the sheep owner with a reduced livelihood, which is particularly distressing during the Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdown, and we need the public’s help in bringing the culprit to justice.

“Sheep worrying and attacking a sheep is a crime and we take it very seriously in Sussex.

“We urge people to keep their dogs under control and certainly on a lead while they are walking in rural areas and around livestock.

“So often in these incidents the owners are horrified by what their dogs have done, but they have to accept that even the most docile of pets can quickly turn into a killer given the opportunity.

“A farmer can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock and seek compensation from the person responsible for the animal, so please don’t take the risk.”

Police say they are stepping up patrols of the local areas this weekend to provide the rural and farming communities with visible reassurance.

Anyone with any information is asked to report online or call 101, quoting serial 229 of 20/11.