A significant armed police deployment descended on a farm near Macclesfield after reports of a dog savaging sheep to death, leaving a farmer counting losses exceeding £4,000.
A Costly and Violent Incident
The incident occurred on Thursday, December 18, at around 1pm, at a farm on Bradford Lane in Nether Alderley, Gawsworth. Farmer Alan Jackson, 65, reported that a rogue dog had entered his field and launched a lethal attack on his flock.
Upon receiving the call, Cheshire Police responded with force. At least eight officers arrived at the scene, with a minimum of five visibly armed with shotguns and assault rifles while dressed in full tactical gear. The police spokesperson later confirmed that while armed officers attended, "no firearms were discharged".
Despite the rapid and heavily equipped response, the damage was already done. Nineteen sheep were found dead upon the officers' arrival. The situation worsened as the farmer called in a knacker to dispose of the carcasses, during which two more injured sheep had to be put down. Tragically, a further two sheep died days later, bringing the grim total to 23 animals killed.
Financial and Emotional Fallout for Farmer
The financial impact on Mr Jackson has been severe. With each sheep valued at approximately £180, the direct loss from the killed livestock amounts to £4,140. Additional costs included £276 for the knacker's services at £12 per head, plus the labour and time spent on a clean-up operation that took "all day". The total estimated loss exceeds £4,416.
Reflecting on the police operation, Mr Jackson told the Daily Mail, "It was a little bit OTT (over the top), I must admit." He suggested the scale of the armed response may have been due to a neighbour mistakenly reporting that the dog was still in the field. "But nevertheless they did come," he added, "when they got there, the disaster had already happened, and the dog was long gone."
Investigation and Legal Hurdles
Police have launched an appeal for witnesses, indicating the dog may have come from the direction of Artists Lane. Mr Jackson believes he knows the identity of the dog's owner, citing three separate witnesses, but has not publicly named the individual. He described the animal as being kept "for a status symbol" and to "ward people off," asserting, "It isn't a pet."
However, securing legal justice may prove difficult. Mr Jackson doubts illegal action will follow, partly due to the timing of upcoming legislation. The updated Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which grants police greater powers to enter premises and collect forensic evidence like DNA from suspect dogs, is not due to come into force until March 18, 2026—three months too late for this case.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson stated: "Officers from the Rural Crime Team attended the scene and found that 21 sheep had been killed by an unknown dog." They urge anyone with information or who suspects their dog was involved to contact them on 101, quoting crime reference 25001031283.
