Note: Graphic images that might not be suitable for all ages are included in this story.

A savage dog attack, which left one ewe dead and 5 mortally wounded, happened on Monday night this week on Musgrave Road. We heard dogs around 11:30 p.m. and rushed out to the sheep barn knowing that we had many young lambs, most less than a week old. We heard the dogs but could not see well in the dark or be sure of what they looked like. The sheep had bunched up in the yard and many were missing. The full extent of and the ferocity of the attack was not realized until the morning hours. One Ewe dead, many savaged so badly they could not get up, others torn beyond repair. All the wounded were assessed by the vet and euthanized humanely. One ewe remains in poor condition, her lamb gone, presumed eaten and she all bitten. We hope she might make it or the death toll will be up to 7 ewes. We now have 8 orphaned lambs.

We since learned another neighbour had a sheep killed also that night. The financial loss is certain-- but the emotional toll of seeing your animals in pain and with such terrible wounds cannot be described as all those who have experienced this know all too well. The fact they all had lambs at heel compounds the loss.

Anyone on Musgrave Road who saw dogs out on the loose Monday or Monday evening please call CRD Animal Control and report it. These dogs were savage and professional killers. It is likely the have been at sheep before. Please call in any loose or stray dogs as they are a danger to livestock all over the island.

If you are a dog owner I beg you keep your dogs with you, on lease or securely penned. Even the nicest family dog is capable of killing animals put in the wrong situation. Do not let them run off unsupervised.

We want to thank our neighbours and fellow farmers who reached out to support us that day and thanks to Sheila Windsor for making calls, posting the info, and for gifting us with milk replacer for the lambs. To everyone else who showed your care; It was much appreciated on a very difficult day.

Thanks also to Aleta Schmah for her veterinary skills, professionalism, kindness and compassion.