A farmer in Yorkshire has been left "absolutely devastated" after discovering 28 of her sheep dead in a field near Holme Moss, with some showing bite marks and others found in water.
Discovery on Holme Moss
The scene was found by Laura Jane at a farm on Holme Moss near Huddersfield on Wednesday. The farmer said the animals had shown no signs of illness the previous day. Some of the sheep were found dead in water, while others had visible bite marks and clear signs of having been grabbed by another animal.
Post-mortem examinations were carried out by a vet, who found no obvious signs of illness or underlying health conditions that could explain the deaths.
Possible Dog Attack
In a social media post, Laura Jane said she believes the animals may have been chased and attacked by a dog or dogs, raising serious concerns about livestock safety in the area.
Her message read: "Absolutely devastated to have found 28 of our sheep dead in a field near Holme Moss. All were alive and appeared perfectly healthy yesterday.
"Some were found dead in the water, while others had visible bite marks and clear signs of having been grabbed by another animal, raising serious concerns that they may have been chased and attacked by a dog or dogs. Post-mortem examinations have been carried out, but the vets have found no obvious illness or underlying health problems to explain the sudden deaths.
"We also have another 3 sheep at home that are extremely poorly. Someone must know something. If anyone saw dogs running loose, sheep being chased or anything unusual in the Holme Moss area, please get in touch.
"To lose 28 healthy sheep in such a short space of time is absolutely heartbreaking. We desperately need answers. PLEASE SHARE – any information, however small, could help."
Community Response
The post received extensive support from the community, with some offering condolences for the "unprecedented loss", according to Yorkshire Live.
One commenter said: "OMG.... I am so sorry for you, so horrendous on all levels, not only losing so many sheep, but having to deal with the horrific and gruesome aftermath. And also knowing those poor sheep have had to endure such an attack.
"Whilst it doesn't help you, I really hope you get answers to what happened and (presuming this a dog attack) the owner is either big enough to come and own up, or is found and brought to face the situation.
"And before people jump on me today they may not know... their dog shouldn't have been out unattended, and won't have gone home without showing what had been going on. My heart goes out to you."
The farmer is appealing for anyone with information about dogs running loose or sheep being chased in the Holme Moss area to come forward.
