We’ve just been informed of a boxer-type dog having killed one of the Gregory’s breeding female sheep, worth hundreds of pounds. The incident happened at approximately 14:30 hours, in the fields between Deep Dale and the top of the village.

We understand that a witness saw an adult couple with the dog, which was running free off the lead. Whilst the dog was mauling the sheep, the owners were heard to shout a name similar to “Tyson”. The witness then attempted to speak with the male owner, but we understand that they both just walked away in the direction of Magpie Mine.

This incident has been reported to Derbyshire Police, and we would ask anyone with any information to contact us.

Legislation

• The Countryside and Rights of Way Act requires people to keep their dogs on leads around wildlife between 1 March and 31 July and at any time near farm animals.
• Section 1 of the Protection of Livestock Act makes it a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock on any agricultural land.
• Section 3 of the Animals Act imposes a strict liability (i.e. there is no defence) on the keeper of a dog where the dog causes damage by killing or injuring livestock.