Kent Wildlife Trust has renewed its appeal for dog owners to keep their pets on leads around livestock following the tragic death of a sheep at Queendown Warren Nature Reserve in Hartlip. The incident, believed to have been caused by an out-of-control dog, resulted in the Hebridean sheep dying from exhaustion.
The sheep was not bitten by the dog, but experts confirmed it exhibited signs of severe distress consistent with being chased. The stress led to swelling of its tongue, and despite efforts to help, the animal sadly passed away shortly after the incident. This is not the first such occurrence at the reserve, where Kent Wildlife Trust grazes cattle, sheep, and ponies.
Jess Allam, Wilder Grazing Ranger at Kent Wildlife Trust, highlighted the serious impact that uncontrolled dogs can have on livestock: “This is a tragic example of the damage dogs can do without even making physical contact. While it may seem like a dog is playing, they are still predators, and the stress they cause to grazing animals can be fatal. We urge dog owners to be responsible and keep their pets on leads when visiting nature reserves and areas with livestock.”
The plea comes as new footage from Pegwell Bay captured three off-lead dogs barking at ponies, causing visible distress. Despite repeated staff requests, off-lead dog incidents remain a persistent issue at the site.
Ranger Jess added: “We will soon be welcoming lambs to our reserves, making it more important than ever for dog owners to act responsibly. Keeping dogs on leads not only protects wildlife and livestock but also ensures a better visitor experience for everyone.”
Kent Wildlife Trust urges visitors to follow site guidelines to protect the delicate balance of nature and prevent further tragic incidents. Responsible dog ownership is essential to preserving these vital habitats and the animals that call them home.
About wilder grazing
Kent Wildlife Trust’s groundbreaking Wilder Grazing Strategy is transforming the way the charity manages its landscapes, promoting nature-positive conservation to support wildlife recovery and adaptation to our changing climate.
These traditional grazing, browsing, and rootling animals work across diverse habitats, mimicking natural processes that once shaped the wild landscapes of Kent. These carefully selected breeds mirror the ecological roles of now-extinct species like aurochs, elk, and bison, helping to restore balance and biodiversity.
When used as a conservation tool, these grazing species form an almost symbiotic relationship with their environment, creating dynamic, self-sustaining ecosystems where wildlife can thrive.
Find out more
You can find out more about responsible dog ownership and wildlife on the Kent Wildlife Trust website. You can support Kent Wildlife Trust’s work by adopting a grazing animal, joining as a member or donating.