A LARGE calf was attacked by what was believed to be a pack of dogs last week on privately owned fields near Roborough Down.

The 250 kilo, 12-month-old calf, sustained substantial injuries during the evening of Tuesday, December 5.

The animal, which was part of a large herd, was found early Wednesday morning with its ear chewed off and bite marks to flank and back legs.

The calf was treated immediately by a vet but due to the levels of stress caused, it is being heavily monitored.

Dartmoor Livestock Protection Officer Karla McKechnie said that this happened in a field which has no access allowed to the public: ‘The farmer is horrified that the calf has sustained these injuries.

‘These dogs must have been called off the animal because if they weren’t they would have finished off the calf and the dogs would have come back covered in blood.

‘This is a stark warning to dog owners that dogs like these are not welcome on Dartmoor and near livestock.

‘The minority are ruining it for the majority.’

Witnesses of the incident are asked to contact police on 101 and quote crime reference number CR/106076/17.

• Anyone who sees an animal injured or in distress, being worried or attacked by a dog or in need of help of any kind can contact Karla on 07873 587561.