Kent Wildlife Trust is asking witnesses to come forward after a spate of dog attacks resulted in the death of four goats. 

Since 22nd February dog attacks have become a frequent problem at Bigbury Camp Nature Reserve, an ancient Hillfort near Canterbury. The area is grazed by a herd of goats, specially chosen to work the land as part of the Trust’s Wilder Grazing Programme, which uses animals to restore and shape habitats naturally. 

Whilst the dogs did not bite the goats, they were chased to the point that they suffered dislocated joints, heart and lung damage and it is believed the herd were subjected to repeat incidents. Two of the goats were found with limbs flapping and such poor health the difficult decision was made to enthanise them, whereas the other two had been chased to the point of exhaustion and died at the site. Staff at the Trust have now erected cameras to encourage dog owners to put their dogs in a lead around livestock. 

Signs have also been placed on the site, they read:  “Someone is Killing our Goats.  After 4 years of living side by side with local, responsible dog walkers, it seems that someone irresponsible has started using the site.  

“Is your dog always in sight and under effective control? Have you spotted a loose dog when out walking here?  Could there be an unaccompanied dog escaping from a nearby garden?” 

The incident was shared on the Trust’s social media channels, with many followers expressing their dismay at the crime. One user wrote “Genuinely heart broken, I visit Bigbury multiple times a week and the sweet, gentle goats were such a pleasure to see. Hard to imagine such irresponsible people still exist to cause so much harm to these animals. 

Another said: “Horrific, I am a dog owner and it makes me so angry that other dog owners have no responsibility. They should be banned from owning animals for life. RIP little kids.” 

Area Manager Alison Ruyter, who leads Kent Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Grazing Programme says: “We are seeing a worrying increase in incidents where people appear oblivious to the damage their dog is doing. Recently a dog attacked our Hebridean sheep at Queendown Warren, when challenged the owner said her dog was simply playing with the sheep and claimed the sheep enjoyed it. 

“In another incident at Darland Banks a large dog chased our Konik ponies, when asked to bring it under control the owner said ‘It’s ok, they’re horse meat anyway.’ The ignorance of these owners is not only staggering but dangerous. 

“There are many wonderful dog owners who visit our reserves regularly and help us by keeping their pets under control around our animals, picking up after them and respecting others using the reserves, but we are seeing more and more of these incidents and ask that anyone who has information that can help us tackle this behaviour to come forward.” 

Can you help? 

Witnesses to the dog attacks at Bigbury Camp are asked to contact Kent Police quoting reference number 18-0839. 

Support Us 

If you would like to help Kent Wildlife Trust by contributing to the cost of these incidents you can donate to the Nature Nightmares Appeal.