Farmer 'sickened' after three-day-old lamb shot in head

At first it was thought the lamb had been killed by a shot to the head.

But when the distraught farmer made an examination he discovered a metal nut firmly embedded in the lamb’s skull.

Now police are working on the theory the metal missile may have been fired from a catapult.

Sheep farmer Darren Hough, who is based in Wharmton overlooking Greenfield and Uppermill, said: “I am still shocked and sickened people are capable of doing that to a three-day-old lamb.

The dead lamb

“When I examined the lamb I found a large cavity and a nut, as in the nut bolt kind, in the skull. The person who did this is very sick and needs help.”

Meantime, the National Sheep Association, the industry’s watchdog, is launched a two week campaign on April 30 titled #LeadOn as part of their Sheep Worrying Fortnight.

It comes after a nationwide survey recording the biggest ever survey on attacks on flocks and a tragic indicator at the extent of the problem.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: "Dog ownership has increased and walking in the countryside has become one of the few activities to be enjoyed during lockdown – but dog owners must be responsible for their pet.

Metal nut found in the lamb's head

“NSA is committed to ensuring the public develops a better understanding of the stress and suffering any dog, no matter its breed, can cause to sheep by barking, chasing and attacking them. It is a serious animal welfare issue that puts both sheep and much loved pets at risk.”

But although farmer Hough welcomed the campaign, he said : “The NSA are preaching to the wrong people.

“There is no point in telling sheep farmers to keep dogs on a lead or stay on footpaths ... that's what they are doing. They need to get this out there to the public, lobby MPs and educate the police.”

He added: “Im am very busy lambing and the last thing i want to do is chase after people with dogs or children chasing my animals.

“I have signs asking people to stick to the footpath - they read and ignore and continue trespassing.

“After last year’s chaos of trespassing, people splitting ewes and lambs up, the ewes didn't come back to the lambs resulting in lambs starving to death.

“I know some point a farmer will do something out of desperation that will land them in real trouble.

“The threats and abuse will only be tolerated for so long. It isn't fair to expect this invasion of private property, the damage that comes with it and loss of livelihood, while the powers that be do nothing.

“The council need to step up and ask landowners how they can help tackle these problems.”