Farmer describes devastating dog attack that killed 21 sheep as “like a battlefield”

A Cheshire farmer has spoken of his devastation after 21 sheep were killed in a single dog attack, describing the scene as resembling a battlefield.

Alan Jackson, a commercial sheep farmer from Nether Alderley, said the attack has renewed his calls for stricter rules and greater responsibility from dog owners. Police are continuing to investigate the incident, which took place on 18 December.

Mr Jackson was alerted to the attack after receiving a call from a member of the public reporting multiple dead sheep in one of his fields. Armed police officers were sent to the area off Bradford Lane amid concerns the dog was still nearby, but by the time officers arrived, the animal and its owners had already left.

“When we were finally able to go in and assess what had happened, it was horrific,” Mr Jackson said. “There were sheep everywhere - some in ponds, some across the fields. It honestly looked like a battlefield.”

After searching neighbouring land and gathering surviving animals, Mr Jackson confirmed that 21 sheep had been killed and four more injured.

He said dog attacks on livestock are sadly not rare, though this incident was particularly severe. Last year alone, he lost around 37 sheep to similar incidents. The financial cost of the latest attack is estimated at £5,000. While insurance will cover some losses, he still faces excess payments of several hundred pounds per claim.

Beyond the financial impact, Mr Jackson said the emotional toll is significant.

“It’s something you’ve raised and cared for, and then it’s just gone,” he said. “It really does affect you. All of that effort destroyed because someone didn’t keep their dog under control.”

Mr Jackson also raised concerns about encounters with dog walkers, saying many do not carry leads and can react aggressively when asked to restrain their pets around livestock.

Cheshire Police said the breed of the dog involved is unknown and no suspects have been identified. Officers believe the animal may have entered the area from the direction of Artists Lane. Police added that images from the scene were too distressing to release, but confirmed the suffering caused to the animals was severe.

Mr Jackson praised the police response, noting an apparent improvement in how such incidents are handled, and urged dog owners to take the situation seriously.

“If people realise how serious this is, it should serve as a warning,” he said. “Dogs must be kept on leads around livestock.”