A PREGNANT ewe was savagely attacked by a dog let loose on East Yorkshire private farmland.

Police are now appealing for anyone who saw two women let the Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog off its lead into the farmland in the Goodmanham area, near Market Weighton.

The attack left the ewe with extensive injuries to its hind leg and which may prove to be life-threatening to both the animal and her two unborn lambs.

The sheep was dragged for a short distance by the dog during the attack, which happened at about 3pm on Thursday, November 4.

The dog is described as being dark in colour with a white chest area. The two women were walking it without a lead.

The first woman is described as white, in her early 30s, tall and slim with dark coloured hair in a bob style.

Her companion is described as white, older than the first female, with shoulder-length hair.

She was wearing a beige coloured mackintosh-type coat and was pushing a child in a pushchair. When challenged by the farmer, the two women retrieved the dog and made off towards Market Weighton in a green Ford Focus car.

PC Mike Matfin, of the Pocklington and Wolds Weighton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a particularly nasty attack which has caused the farmer and his wife a great deal of distress, not to mention the injury to the ewe and its two unborn lambs.

“What is particularly unpleasant is the attitude of the dog owners who were rude and arrogant in their approach to what had occurred.

“This is a nasty offence and I would ask anyone with information to phone me at Pocklington Police Station on 0845 6060222.”

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.