Guarding new arrivals a top priority in the hills

LAMBING season...Darren Hough with his father Bryn and some of the new borm lambs.

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A PROUD sheep farmer and his father cradle the first of their new-born lambs... safe from slaughter by marauding dogs.

Over a month ago the Evening Chronicle provoked angry reaction from outraged readers after showing a harrowing picture of a pregnant ewe killed by dogs at Darren Hough’s hill top Saddleworth farm.

The horrific catalogue of the ewe’s fatal injuries, included severe bites to her face, legs, back and shoulders.

And other ewes who survived attacks were left with agonising bites. But now Mr Hough, who farms 265-acres at Wharmton, is praying his new flock will remain intact as a National Sheep Association survey asking farmers to measure damage to flocks comes to an end.

The results will provide farmers with a more accurate picture of dog attacks and their impact on farmer's livelihoods, financially and emotionally.

Phil Stocker, the NSA’s chief executive, said: “We have been vocal over sheep worrying by dogs for some time now. We are continuing to hear reports of attacks.

“Gathering evidence and information is key when communicating the scale of this issue to both the public and police. Our aim isn’t to discourage people from walking their dogs, but it really is vital to get across the message that any dog is capable of harming livestock.”

Even a dog chasing sheep can have a devastating effect.

“This is a crucial time of year, when ewes are likely to be heavily pregnant or have young lambs at foot. Lambs will die from starvation or hypothermia when they become separated from their mother and fail to find her again.”

A National Farmers Union spokesman said bluntly: “Dogs and sheep do not mix. Dog owners should remember their responsibility - others live and work in the countryside.”