Over 30 sheep were killed after two dogs escaped from a garden in a horrifying attack.
Footage released by police shows what the Warwickshire Rural Crime Team described as the “absolute carnage” officers found when they attended the scene near Stretton, Dunsmore.
In a statement, they said more than 30 female sheep – known as ewes, were killed on February 20 after two dogs escaped from a garden nearby.
Following their escape, their owner failed to capture the hounds, but CoventryLive reported that they made no attempt to alert farmers or the authorities.
As a result, the two dogs reaped havoc on the ewes in an incident the police described as a “horrific double dog attack”.
In a social media post, the crime team said: “On the morning of the February 20, two neighbouring farmers and shepherds were able to catch one of the dogs, stopping it from attacking the rest of the flock.
“The second dog eventually made its way back home. We quickly identified the owner of both dogs and attended the address.
“A dog control order was immediately issued to the owner to protect both the public and other animals.”
Police added that the farmer had told them that he wanted the matter to be formally dealt with through a Community Resolution.
Under the Community Resolution, known as an out-of-control procedure, the owner agreed to six conditions.
They agreed to pay the farmer £3,300 in costs, voluntarily destroy one of the dogs, agree not to allow the dog to be left outside unattended at any time, and ensure the perimeter of the property is secure.
They also agreed to ensure their dogs wear a muzzle in public and ensure the dogs are in the control of an adult at all times.
The crime team warned that owners should be careful whenever they take their dogs near livestock to avoid tragedies like this happening again.
The crime team explained: “This type of incident causes a significant amount of unnecessary distress to all parties and can be easily avoided.
“Each year, we regrettably receive multiple reports of dog vs. sheep incidents, but this is by far the worst single attack our team has had to deal with.
“Please, if you walk your dog near livestock, keep them on a lead.
“If you live in an area where livestock graze, make every effort you can to secure your garden.”
