POLICE have issued an urgent appeal after three pregnant sheep were killed in a suspected dog attack near Upper Chute.

Officers from Wiltshire Police were called to a field off Malthouse Lane at around 7.30am on Tuesday (April 1), where a flock of ewes had been attacked. Three sheep in lamb were found dead, with several others left injured.

It is believed the attack was carried out by a loose dog—either one being walked off the lead or one that had escaped from a nearby property.

The incident has left a devastating impact on the flock, with the loss of unborn lambs compounding the damage caused.

Police say the dog involved is likely to have returned home covered in blood.

An appeal has now been launched for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or who recognises signs that their dog may have been involved.

Officers said: “Due to the injuries caused to the ewes, it’s likely the dog would have returned covered in blood.”

They are urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 or emailing 70787@wiltshire.police.uk, quoting reference 54260038839.

The incident has also prompted a stark reminder to dog owners about the dangers livestock worrying can pose—particularly during lambing season.

Police added: “We would like to remind dog owners that it is crucial to keep control of your dog around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to return when called.”

They also warned that even normally well-behaved dogs can cause serious harm if they enter fields with sheep.

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, it is an offence for any dog to attack or chase livestock, with recent legal changes meaning owners could face an unlimited fine. Police also have powers to seize dogs suspected of being involved.

Officers are urging the public to dial 999 immediately if they witness livestock being attacked.