Pregnant cow and unborn calf die after being chased by gang of youths in Devon

A cow and her unborn calf have died after being chased by a group of youths with a dog.

The incident happened on farmland in Axminster and is one of two incidents reported in the town.

A police spokespersons said: "On May 9, on private land at White bridges Axminster, it was reported that a group of youths with a dog chased a cow who was heavily pregnant and she and her unborn calf died as a result.

"Again on May 15, it was reported to police that a group of teenage youths were chasing cows in the field on Castle Hill."

The incident happened on farmland in Axminster Credit: PA

It is an offence to chase cattle under the Protection of Livestock Act 1953 under the term 'worrying livestock'.

The term 'worrying' includes:

  • attacking livestock;

  • chasing livestock in such a way as may be reasonably expected to cause injury or suffering; in the case of ewes, this includes abortion or loss or reduction in the number of offspring.