A warning has been issued to dog owners following a dog attack on a young sheep grazing at Castle Park, which left the animal badly injured and requiring emergency veterinary treatment.
The sheep was found with severe injuries and was taken to the vet, where it received urgent care. While the animal has survived, it has been left physically and mentally scarred by the attack. The sheep graze within a secure, fenced and padlocked area of the park, which is clearly signed. This indicates that the dog either jumped the fence or was deliberately placed into the grazing area by its owner. Thetford Town Council has said that both scenarios are unacceptable.
Sheep grazing at Castle Park forms part of a managed conservation grazing scheme, with areas closed off while sheep are present and reopened once they are moved on. While sheep on the main hill can access the stairway area, this access is controlled by a gate which should remain closed except when entering or exiting the steps. Dogs should not be off lead in this area.
Thetford Town Council has stressed that conservation grazing is vital for maintaining green spaces, supporting wildlife and saving the public around £30,000 a year in maintenance costs. Repeated attacks put both animal welfare and the future of the scheme at risk.
The incident follows previous dog attacks on sheep at Barnham Cross Common, which resulted in multiple deaths. Thetford Town Council is working with rural crime teams and has said it will pursue prosecution if the dog owner involved is identified. Dog owners are reminded they have a legal responsibility to keep dogs under control at all times and kept on leads around livestock.
“We are heartbroken for what this little lamb has had to endure and feel truly let down by the member of public who not only flouted the law, but didn’t even have the decency to leave an anonymous call or message to say a sheep was injured,” said grazier Lisa Clayton.
“It was sheer luck that the council and I were visiting the site very shortly after the attack and found the wounded sheep terrified and alone. By some miracle and with intensive 24/7 care, this lamb seems to have survived, but he is left both physically and mentally scarred from the attack. We implore you to please keep your dogs on leads around livestock and don’t enter the site for the safety of both our sheep and your pets.”
