CREDITON Police have said today, Wednesday, September 23, that they are out with Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team in pursuit of a dog that is believed responsible for a series of attacks on livestock in the area.

They add: “The dog is described as a Blue Merle Collie cross-type dog with distinctive markings – a brown muzzle, blown legs, blue/brown across its head and black markings on its back.

“If you see the dog, please call 999.”

More than 35 sheep have been killed and dozens more have been seriously injured in a series of attacks on farms in Mid Devon.

Police have received nine reports of livestock worrying around Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton and Stockleigh English.

They are trying to trace the owner of the dog.

Police say that the owner may be unaware the dog is getting out overnight.

The most recent incidents took place overnight between September 18 and 19.

A Valais ewe was killed and another injured in the Poughill area. Six lambs were killed and 20 were seriously injured on land in the Pennymoor area.

One sheep was killed and several others were injured between September 17 and 18 near Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Earlier attacks happened in the same area between September 1 and 3, causing an estimated £15,000 loss and injury to livestock.

Further incidents have been reported.

Rural Affairs Officer PC Lucy Wyatt said: "These incidents have been extremely distressing for the farmers affected and have resulted in significant losses to their livestock.

"The dog is quite distinctive. It appears to be nervous and moves very quickly.

"We would ask anyone who recognises the description of the dog, to please get in touch with us.

"We are also encouraging livestock owners to take any additional steps they can to secure gateways and fields, where possible, and we would like to hear from anyone else whose sheep may have been attacked in the area."

A revised law about sheep worrying came into force earlier this year. Dog owners now face unlimited fines and police can seize and detain dogs.

Anyone who recognises the description or has seen the dog roaming loose is asked to telephone 999 or 101, quoting 50260250003.