Over the past two weeks there have been three separate incidents targeting the sheep at Swangleys Farm. We usually avoid using this blog to report negative issues, but the nature and number of these events mean it is important that our local community is aware.
All three incidents have been reported to Hertfordshire Police and are under investigation.
Deliberate Fence Cutting (7–9 February)
Between 7 and 9 February, our livestock fence south of Watton Road was deliberately cut through in two separate locations. This is permanent stock fencing designed to contain cattle and needed someone to bring heavy duty cutters and put in sustained effort to make around 20 cuts through metal mesh and barbed wire.
There is no plausible explanation for this other than a deliberate attempt to release the sheep which were grazing in that field. Had the sabotage not been spotted by the shepherd, sheep would have escaped onto Watton Road, creating a serious risk both to the animals and to motorists.
Removal of Electric Fence and Harassment of Sheep (12 February)
On 12 February, five youths wearing black balaclavas were seen and challenged by members of the community, removing a long stretch of electric fencing near the recreation ground and harrassing the sheep, leaving them panicked and vulnerable to harm.
It was only in the last few days that we discovered the harassment had also included using the electric fence posts — which have 20cm metal spikes at their base — as javelins , throwing them into the field at the sheep. We are extremely grateful for the bravery of the people who intervened and for their initiative in repairing the fence – your actions undoubtedly prevented further harm.
Sheep Worrying Incident (27 February)
On the morning of 27 February at about 9am, a sheep was seen dead and bloodied in the field behind the recreation ground, close to a well-used dog walking route. We immediately attended and found the sheep had a major wound consistent with a dog attack and was likely to have died a couple of hours earlier. We have chosen not to show the wound in the photo.
We are dog owners ourselves and we know that the vast majority of local dog walkers are responsible people. However, it is important to be clear about the law. Under the Livestock Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock, and owners are legally responsible for ensuring their dog is never out of control around farm animals, which includes an uncontrolled dog simply entering a field containing sheep.
These incidents have been deeply upsetting. It is hard to understand why someone would harm sheep or put them at risk. Not only that, but the sheep are being hosted at Swangleys for entirely positive reasons – an environmental grazing initiative, which is designed to improve soil health and reduce reliance on artificial inputs. It is something on which many people have contacted us to tell us how supportive they are. We are grateful for that encouragement.
We are sharing this information because interference with livestock and fencing presents real risk of harm — to the animals, to vehicles, and to members of our community. We would appreciate your own support in staying alert to any future incidents.
If you have any information that may assist the police, please contact Hertfordshire Police quoting:
- Cut fencing on Watton Rd (7–9 Feb): RRC-264-26-4141-C
- Electric fence incident (12 Feb): RRC-265-26-4141-C
- Sheep worrying death 27 Feb = RRC-266-26-4141-C
Thank you to those who have been in touch with support — it genuinely makes a difference.