Dorset Police take part in Op Recall to prevent livestock attacks

Between March 27 and April 2, Dorset Police’s Rural Crime team was out across the county raising awareness about the consequences of livestock attacks as part of a national policing operation.

Op Recall saw officers out on patrol in locations popular with dog walkers or that have a history of sheep attacks to engage with the public and provide advice on how to prevent and reduce livestock attacks.

Sheep injuries after being attacked near Broadwindsor by a dog (Image: Rachel Hayball)

Sgt Natalie Skinner, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “As part of Op Recall, the team have been out in popular dog-walking spots, engaging with owners and raising awareness about the importance of having dogs on leads or under close control around livestock.

“Livestock worrying can have serious consequences so we’re hoping that these engagements with dog walkers will help to prevent attacks from happening in the future”.

The operation began just one week after a flock of sheep near Broadwindsor was viciously attacked by a dog.

The attack took place on Thursday, March 21 and left their owner 'angry' at how the dog owners failed to take responsibility.

Two lambs were also stolen from Bridport on March 25 which were reunited with their owner Amy Wright who cried 'tears of joy' upon their safe return.

Lambs Elton and Ellie are returned to their owner Amy Wright in Bridport (Image: Dorset Police)

The Rural Crime Team returned the lambs Elton and Ellie following a witness statement and the use of ANPR cameras, which the team used to identify a vehicle they believed to be connected in the theft. 

The vehicle was located and seized and the owner was arrested on suspicion of theft. 

Officers also assisted Miss Wright in implementing security measures to prevent future thefts from happening.

As part of the week long operation the force also visited Badbury Rings in Wimborne, as part of an evening engagement with the National Trust, Spread Eagle Hill, in Shaftesbury, Lulworth Castle grounds, Lulworth and Hardys Monument.

Rural Mounted Volunteers were also out patrolling over the Easter period in rural areas on the outskirts of Weymouth. 

Dorset police Rural Mounted Volunteer Julie out riding with Clover near Weymouth (Image: Dorset Police)

Dorset Police has been increasing its visibility in dealing with rural crime with several other operations to tackle issues important to rural communities. 

Operation Galileo saw officers out on patrol looking for hare coursers and poachers, whilst officers also stopped more than 20 vehicles as part of an operation to demonstrate how rural crime is tackled in Dorset.

Anyone witnessing an attack on livestock should call 999.

Information relating to attacks on livestock that are not currently happening should be reported to the police online www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.

Anonymous information can also be provided to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.