More than a dozen sheep and lambs have died or have been put to sleep after they were mowed down by a vehicle on the Wiltshire county border.
14 animals died as a result of a driver entering a field near Tollard Royal, southwest of Salisbury, and ploughing into them between 7pm and 6.15am on Sunday (17 July).
Dorset Police has launched an investigation into the devastating incident and has stepped up patrols.
PC Sebastian Haggett, from the Rural Crime Team, said: “We are carrying out a full investigation into this matter and I would appeal to anyone with information that may assist our enquiries, including anyone with dash cam footage, to come forward.
“It is likely that this vehicle would of obtained damage through this incident.
“This is an appalling attack against a hard working farming community and against livestock. We will step up our patrols in the area.
“If you see a vehicle in a field and you suspect the vehicle may be committing offences such as illegal off roading, poaching or damage to crop I would urge you to ring 999.
“This week is anti-social behaviour awareness week and it so important that we continue to drive down rural crime and anti social behaviour in our rural communities.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101 quoting reference 55220115601. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
