[spee66]

Three of my lambs have been attacked. They all have teeth marks/puncture wounds on their back ends. Two were found the other side of a good solid fence - one found on a nearby footpath.

We've had a dog attack before and the ewes were left traumatised, it took several days before I could get near them again and they ran from my dog whom they have known for 10 years and don't normally take any notice of.

This time the ewe's appear relaxed. There are no signs of any stress at all.

Could this be because it was a fox and they are used to them being around, wandering through the field.  How can you tell if it was a dog or fox attack?

[shep53]

My guess would be dog , any fox attacks iv'e seen always head /neck       dog attacks mostly rear end but any part of the body  and a badger would have killed

[Marches Farmer]

I'd guess dog too.  The ewes could've been in a different part of the field at the time.

[spee66]

Thanks for your response.  It's really difficult when you have no other evidence. These are big strong 3 week old lambs and a small flock of 20 ewe's.  I was really hoping it wouldn't be a dog as that means someone somewhere knew what their dog did and left our lambs to die.

[Jukes Mum]

How awful!
Did your lambs survive??
Dogs killed two of my adult sheep. Ripped the udder from one and pulled the innards from the other from behind. I'd suspect dogs personally. Mine happened at night, so while the owners knew they were out, they didn't know they'd been on a killing spree.

[Hevxxx99]

I have been told with some authority (I'm darned if I can remember who it was now) that classic dog attack is from the rear as they chase. Often with fleece pulled off their backs or run into fences and attacked.  Foxes are more subtle and bit the back of the neck with little chasing. 

I suppose the other option would be badgers, but my money would be on dog.

[Jullienne]

It might be worth letting your neighbours and the authorities know that there is a dog on the loose. The only problem however is that they will ask for proof, do you have any pictures? If you could spread the word around it might get back to the owners of the culprit and they might be more careful in future. It is always worth a try I suppose. I am indeed sorry that this has had to happen to your lambs, one of my dogs can be a bit frisky around sheep so I have to keep training her and never let her off without her being in my company; I couldnt bear it if my neighbours had problems regarding any of my animals.