ALMOST 100 sheep were let loose on a main road in Woodingdean.

Early on Sunday, March 5, police received a number of calls from members of public reporting up to 100 sheep on the road at Bexhill Road.

 

When police attended, around 30 to 40 sheep were seen running towards Falmer Road from the fields alongside Bexhill Road.


Police reported that someone had passed through private fields over the weekend at the farm in Rottingdean and left the gate open allowing the heavily pregnant flock to escape and run into the road. 

Cars had to avoid the sheep along Bexhill Road and it was here a dog walker with his dog off the lead had unwittingly come across the flock.

 

One of the dogs has chased the flock onto a main road resulting in police having to close the Falmer Road for a short time. 

The same dog had also caused significant distress to the flock, many of which were about to go into lambing season.

 

A ewe received severe bite to its neck area and it is still unknown whether it will survive the incident due to the likelihood of infection.

PC Lou Douglas said: "Be aware if you are out walking in the countryside, particularly dog walkers or hikers, about where sheep are in fields.

 

“Always securely shut gates after passing through public footpaths and bridleways, and not to enter private lands.

"The owner of the dogs involved in this incident have been identified and have been given words of advice."

Sergeant Tom Carter, wildlife and rural crime lead for Sussex Police, added: "A landowner is able to shoot a dog that they believe is worrying sheep - and that includes if they are running after them or chasing them, not necessarily physically attacking them.”