BMW driver slams into a stampeding herd of sheep killing 18 animals and writing off car
A distressing image shows some of the dead animals
A HERD of 18 pregnant sheep running from dogs were hit and killed when they ran in front of a BMW.
The sheep and their lamb, worth nearly £4,000 in total, were part of a group of almost 80 sheep that stampeded and broke their way out of the field they were grazing in.
It is believed they were spooked by dogs before they fled and ran into the path of the BMW, which sustained serious damage.
A distressing image shows the dead sheep lying in a pile and another shows the extent of the damage to the vehicle.
The driver was unharmed but "very shaken" following the incident near Bexhill, East Sussex.
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Investigations revealed the sheep had strayed some distance from their original field and fencing was stretched and broken.
Shortly before the incident, a neighbouring property owner reported seeing two people walking two dogs, thought to be Labradors, despite there being no public rights of way.
It is thought some of the further 60 sheep also affected will miscarry their lambs over the next few days due to the stress of the incident.
Sergeant Tom Carter, from Sussex Police, said: "The incidents of sheep worrying by dogs show no sign of abating and it is worrying to note that Sussex now has more deaths than anywhere else in the country.
"In this case, there could have been far worse consequences for the driver of the BMW, who is not to blame for the incident, or for any other road users.
"With the first signs of spring, more and more people will be getting out into the country to walk their dogs and we continue to urge them not to let them off their leads where there is or may be livestock.
"These sheep alone were worth more than £2,500 and their unborn lambs a further £1,350 - and that's assuming that each ewe was only carrying one lamb.
"Aside from the financial cost, there is the emotional impact on those who have raised and nurtured their stock.
"We urge people to keep their dogs on a lead while they are walking in rural areas and around livestock.
"Often in these incidents the owners are horrified by what their dogs have done, but they have to accept that even the most docile of pets can quickly turn into a killer given the opportunity.
There could have been far worse consequences for the driver of the BMW, who is not to blame for the incident, or for any other road users.
Sergeant Tom Carter
"A farmer can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock and seek compensation from the person responsible for the animal, so please don't take the risk."
It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep, which includes attaching or chasing the animals.
The stress caused to sheep chased by dogs can cause the animal to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs. Sheep are often killed or seriously injured by their panicked attempts to escape dogs.
Dog bites can also lead to expensive veterinary bills and in severe circumstance, sheep can be killed by dogs or be put down if their injuries are severe.
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