A SHEEP farmer faces a constant battle in protecting her sheep against dog attacks, with the latest attack leaving one sheep suffering severe injuries.
The attacks happen on farmland in East Bergholt which has footpaths and rights of way going across it. The land also spans the nearby areas of Flatford, Wenham, and Holbrook.
The heinous acts see police signage regularly torn down, dog faeces being rubbed into the latches of farm gates, and fences being damaged.
Over the last few years livestock incidents involving the farmers' sheep have increased, resulting in not only financial loss but also loss of time as the distraught farmer provides additional care to the injured animals.
Sometimes the damage can have a knock-on effect on farming. A dog chasing a pregnant ewe, for instance, can cause the terrified ewe to abort its young, which will have an impact in the following year.
It is illegal for a dog to be allowed to roam while off its lead in a field containing sheep.
Dog owners could also be prosecuted if their pets attack cattle, goats, pigs, horses, or poultry, or if they chase livestock in a way which could be expected to cause injury or suffering.
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