Horror near 'Sunset beach' of blood-covered 'furbabies' launching attack

North Wales Live

14-05-2025

A video clip of two Spaniels mauling a young lamb has been released by police to highlight the true horror of livestock attacks. The dogs – their mouths covered in blood – ran off when approached, leaving the lamb to die.
The incident happened next to a popular Gwynedd beach renowned for its glorious sunsets. The dogs were being walked along Dinas Dinlle beach near Caernarfon when they escaped into fields near Caernarfon Airport and began chasing sheep.
A neighbouring farmer in the area at the time filmed the attack from his quad bike as the lamb lay prone among tufts of wool on the grass. When he tried to put the dogs on a makeshift lead, they ran off.
North Wales Police (NWP) said livestock worrying due to irresponsible dog ownership was 'wholly unacceptable'.
Neither was there much sympathy for the dogs' owners from people who watched the video online. "Should have driven straight over them,' said a businessman. Using an 'enraged face' emoji, a Pwllheli woman added: 'Need to be shot!'
Farmers are permitted to protect their livestock and, as a last resort, this can include shooting a dog caught worrying their sheep. However the response must be proportionate - the dog must pose an immediate threat.
If it can be brought under control, shooting is not legally justified. Despite the stress of witnessing attacks and losing animals, many farmers are reluctant to reach for a gun. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
But PCSO Rhys Evans, of the NWP Rural Crime Team, warned dog owners it could happen. 'A dog's owner is the only person who can prevent an attack from happening,' he said. 'You may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control your animal."
The Good Samaritan farmer alerted the lamb's owner, Dafydd Jones. Speaking to police, he said: 'The matter has now been resolved, thanks to North Wales Police and Hedd Rhys from FUW (Farmers Union of Wales).'
The incident happened around 1pm on Wednesday, April 23. Online, a woman from Waenfawr said: "Just goes to show any breed or type of dog has the hunter/predator gene - 'furbaby' or not!!"
PCSO Rhys Evans said owners of dogs that escape in rural areas, should contact the police as soon as possible so they can alert local farmers and landowners.
In the countryside, dogs should always be kept on a lead and under control, he said. If left at home alone, the house or garden must be secure to prevent escapes – this is often the most common cause of livestock attacks.
He added: 'Responsible dog ownership is key in tackling these awful incidents, which are far too common. Livestock worrying is a crime, and can include dogs running after animals, as well as attacks.
'They are extremely distressing not only for the animals, but for their keepers too. The costs, both financially and emotionally are wholly unacceptable.'