Tathwell sheep deaths prompt fresh warning to Lincolnshire dog owners

The deaths of 34 pregnant sheep after a dog attack near Tathwell have sparked renewed concern in rural Lincolnshire, where farmers and villagers say the risks to livestock are well understood. Lincolnshire Police said the attack happened in a field at Tathwell, near Louth, on 13 March. Four sheep died at the scene, while the rest later died from their injuries and shock. The reported financial loss to the farmer has been put at between £10,000 and £15,000.

For communities across the county, where farmland and footpaths often sit side by side, the incident is a stark reminder of how quickly serious damage can be done. Local shepherd Tom Shaw said he was not surprised by what had happened, pointing to the pressure such attacks place on farmers already working with tight margins and seasonal uncertainty. He said the loss of ewes carrying lambs brought an immediate financial hit, with the impact made worse because both the sheep and their unborn lambs were lost. His comments will resonate with many in Lincolnshire, where sheep farming remains an important part of the rural economy and where attacks by uncontrolled dogs are a long-standing worry.

Mr Shaw also welcomed updated legislation aimed at tackling livestock attacks. Under rules that came into force on 18 March, dog owners can face unlimited fines if their animal attacks livestock. The change has added weight to repeated calls from farming communities for walkers to keep dogs under close control near fields. His own experience underlines why the issue remains so raw.

He said one of his flock had previously been so badly injured by a dog that it had to be put down. Residents in and around Tathwell have also reacted with alarm. Dog walker Rosie Graham said she was shocked to hear of the attack, adding that responsibility rested with the owner. Retired farm labourer Martin Fawcett described the incident as sickening and said dogs should not be off the lead anywhere near livestock.

That message is likely to strike a chord well beyond the Louth area. Across Lincolnshire, popular walking routes often pass through grazing land, particularly as spring brings more people into the countryside. At the same time, farmers are managing lambing season, one of the busiest and most vulnerable periods in the agricultural calendar. The attack near Tathwell is not just a local police matter but a wider reminder of the balance needed in Lincolnshire's countryside.

For many residents, dogs are part of daily life and walking routes are treasured community spaces. But for farmers, a single incident can bring animal suffering and major financial loss in a matter of minutes. As the county heads further into spring, the call from rural Lincolnshire is a simple one - keep dogs under control, and keep them away from sheep.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.