TWO DOGS suspected of being involved in a livestock attack that killed seven sheep and seriously injured another 16 have been seized by police.

The incident happened sometime between Sunday night (November 20) and the early hours of Monday in a field off Padeswood Road in Buckley.

Police officers on scene described it as one of "absolute devastation". 

On Tuesday afternoon, North Wales Police said that two German Shepherd dogs believed to be responsible are currently being held in a secure location by officers to prevent any further attacks. Their owner has not yet been identified. 

Police said that sadly, the 16 injured sheep are not expected to survive, while the farmer has reported a further 11 Welsh mountain ewes from the same flock are missing following the incident.

The nine sheep left uninjured have returned to the field.

Sergeant Peter Evans of the Rural Crime Team is reminding all dog owners to keep their animals under effective control around sheep and other livestock.

He said: “Livestock attacks are extremely distressing not only for the animals, but for their keepers too. The costs, both financially and emotionally for those who own or find dead and injured animals, are wholly unacceptable.

“Unfortunately, reports of sheep and other livestock being attacked in North Wales is not uncommon, with animals brutalised and often killed - which is completely preventable."

He added: "Responsible dog ownership is key in tackling these awful incidents and it is so important to ensure pets are always kept under control - or if left at home alone, that the house or garden are secure.

“I am appealing to anybody who witnesses a dog without a lead in such environments to report it to us immediately. I would also encourage livestock keepers to report all incidents to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who sees stray Welsh mountain ewes with a purple marker in the Buckley area, or anyone with information, is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, or via the live webchat, using reference 22000855366.