Police are appealing for information after two boys were caught on CCTV chasing a flock of 30 sheep at Minster Marshes.
The sheep, belonging to Abbey Farm, can be seen running in panic as the individuals chase them at around 8.30pm on Monday (May 18).
The farm’s gamekeeper George Cooper said the actions could have resulted in sheep running into the river, where they then get waterlogged and stuck in mud which can result in drowning or death from hypothermia.
He added: “This is the second time. The first time kids were hitting them with sticks. The panic can cause pregnant sheep to abort although luckily this time there were no pregnant sheep and lambs were in another secure location.
“We also have problems with people letting their dogs chase the sheep, in one case we ended up with about 20 firemen and four vehicles just to rescue one sheep.
“These are tiny sheep, Shetlands, and are indigenous grazing animals. They will come up to you and are not normally afraid of people but obviously they were being chased.
“We just want to stop these kids, you are chasing 30 sheep, just imagine what the consequences of that could be.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said officers are investigating the incident.
They added: “Kent Police was called at 12.03pm on Tuesday 19 May to reports of an incident in a field off Marsh Farm Road, Ramsgate. It was reported that a number of sheep had been chased by two individuals.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should call 01843 222289 , quoting reference 19-0570.”
If caught and under age, fine the parents as they have a responsibility for what the children do.If old enough make them clear sheep poo for six months
Agree. It’s high time parents were made accountable for their errant offsprings’ misdemeanours. A fine or CSO would soon make the parents instil some decent behaviour. If the parents are incapable of doing that then they need to attend parenting classes. And yes the children should not get off scot-free either; there should always be consequences.
Let’s hope they caught soon hope the sheep ok
Agree fine the parents and put them on a farm helping group idiots
What a shame the farmer didn’t have a gun.
Are you suggesting the children should be shot?
I know you have your difficulties, but this is a strange request.
No, I’m suggesting the gun should’ve been shot into the air to scare them off.
In fact Checksfield I agree with you for once, in my day farmers could and did shoot dogs for “sheep worrying”, the same could apply with these idiots.
why dont they take the little rats out to howletts and let them chase some of thier animals around and beat them with a stick ?
Disgraceful how do the parents bring there children up with no respect for animals future murderers no doubt f8ne the parents
Well on my farm if I catch a dog attacking the sheep it will not end well for the dog. If I catch children chasing sheep I will tell them off in no uncertain terms. We mustn’t be surprised if children do childish things.