By Adam Dutton
A pregnant sheep was rescued by coastguards after it leaped into the sea to escape a dog attack – but became stranded on a rock.
The terrified animal was spotted cut off by the rising tide near Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland on Sunday, Jan. 12 afternoon.
Witnesses say four dogs were running off the lead in a sheep field leading up to the historic castle near the village of Craster when one of the hounds mauled the expectant ewe.
Howick Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) scrambled to the scene after walkers spotted the injured sheep marooned on a rock at 1pm.
Coastguards were able to reach the sheep and carried her back onto the shore before the tide rose even further.
A spokesperson for Howick CRT said: “The ewe had suffered a nasty bite to the face and had taken to the water for safety.
“(CROs) attended and helped recover the sheep before a local farmer reunited it with its flock.
“Whilst it’s a good idea to always keep dogs on a lead near the coast, it’s especially important near livestock.
“Remember, in an emergency at sea or on the coast, or if you think someone may be in difficulty, ALWAYS call the COASTGUARD by dialling 999.”
