RSPCA called to sheep stuck in mud suffering from attack wounds in Northampton

A collapsed sheep in Northampton suffering with bite wounds to her face, thought to be caused by a dog, was rescued by the RSPCA and rushed to a vet for urgent treatment.

The RSPCA was alerted by a walker who found the sheep in fields behind The Lakes in Northampton. They found her collapsed in thick mud and reeds, with blood visible on her face and mouth.

Knowing the sheep would need help urgently, Animal collection officer (ACO) Rebecca Frost, rushed to the location and made her way across the fields to find the stricken sheep.

Rebecca said: “The poor sheep was in a very sorry state indeed. Usually, sheep are flighty and will run away when you approach them, but although this poor ewe had managed to get to her feet, she couldn’t move due to the thick, muddy water and undergrowth, and I saw puncture wounds to her face, which caused me great concern that she’d been attacked by another animal."

Rebecca called for assistance from colleagues ACO Greg Hagen and inspector Susan Haywood. Once they arrived the team secured the sheep and arranged for transport to move the sheep to a nearby farmer who was kind enough to keep the sheep in a safe barn until a vet arrived to examine her.

Sue said: “The ewe was lucky to have been spotted and helped when she was, being collapsed and already injured left her very vulnerable to further attack.

"The RSPCA is here for all animals, and it’s down to the quick-thinking of the member of the public who reported her suffering to us, that we were able to help. It seems the sheep had been bitten by another animal, possibly an out of control dog, but I’m pleased to say she is responding well to vet treatment and is receiving pain relief and antibiotics.

"We are still trying to track down and speak with the farmer who owns the flock to let them know about the incident.”