In 2026, the Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) recorded that five sheep were targeted in a dog attack in the Smithy Fen area of Cottenham, Cambridgeshire. On the morning of Friday, 9 January 2026, a witness reported hearing a stampede and discovering three dogs actively attacking the livestock. It was reported that the incident occurred just after 9am, resulting in injuries to at least five sheep, with two believed to be fatally wounded.
The investigation established that the dogs involved included a black German Shepherd with a silvery neck, a medium-sized brown curly-haired dog, and a small terrier. Cambridgeshire Constabulary reported that the witness intervened, causing the dogs to flee toward Lockspit Hall Drove and the B1049. The prosecution of livestock worrying remains a priority for rural officers, who noted that the incident was deeply upsetting for the owner of the sheep.
Investigative Detail and Rural Impact
The force reported that the witness’s quick intervention prevented further harm to the flock. PC James Lee of the RCAT emphasized that livestock worrying is a criminal offence under UK law. The investigation established that accurate location details, such as OS grid references or What3Words, are vital for police responding to attacks in remote areas like Cottenham.
Officers are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation. For the incident in Cambridgeshire, police are seeking to identify the owners of the three dogs described. The judge of public opinion and legal statutes both emphasize that responsible dog ownership is the primary tool for preventing such “upsetting” events in the countryside.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the incident reported in England, the status of the investigation is as follows:
- Investigation Status: Active (Reference 35/2056/26).
- Incident Type: Livestock Worrying / Criminal Offence.
- Legal Requirement: Dogs must be kept on a lead near livestock.
- Judicial Oversight: Investigated by the Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT).
- Location: Smithy Fen, Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.
- Evidence Preservation: Farmers are advised to photograph injuries and retain DNA evidence.
Prevention and Public Protection
The community is managed under the guidelines of the Countryside Code to ensure the safety of livestock. Due to the nature of the attack in Cottenham, which involved multiple dogs fleeing into the surrounding area, local farmers are advised to improve physical security and install clear signage. Authorities state that owners must ensure fencing and gates prevent dogs from escaping their properties to avoid similar criminal incidents.
As a matter of public record, livestock worrying carries significant legal penalties for dog owners. Authorities state that providing information, no matter how small, is essential for the Cambridgeshire investigation. Any witness who saw the dogs fleeing toward the B1049 this morning should report it immediately to ensure the safety of livestock across the county.
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