A woman from Derby has been charged after her two uncontrollable dogs killed 15 sheep and injured 13 others in May this year.

The incident occurred on a farm in Willington, amidst a growing trend of livestock attacks faced by farmers.

Derbyshire Police’s rural crime team reported that the woman was charged with being the owner of dogs that worried sheep following the incident in May.

The team described it as a 'very upsetting event' for everyone involved, including the dog owner.

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"The financial and emotional impact on the farmer is substantial and will be felt for a long time," they added.

They also urged dog owners to "make sure your dog is secure and under control if there is any chance of encountering livestock."

In 2023, farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks, an increase of nearly 30% compared to the previous year.

In June, a woman was ordered by a court to pay over £3,000 in compensation to a farmer after two loose dogs killed 15 of his sheep.

Ellie Blake, 60, from Macclesfield, was sentenced at Chester Magistrates' Court for the livestock worrying incident, which occurred in October 2023.