Police have launched an investigation after a dog allegedly killed a chicken before biting a farmer's hand.

The incident, which happened near a farm in Winston, Barnard Castle, has called on members of the public for help in identifying the dog walker that was with the dog during the reported incident.

During the incident, the dog, a Jack Russell, is said to have climbed into a chicken enclosure before killing a chicken. 

The Northern Echo: The dog walker that police want to speak toThe dog walker that police want to speak to (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

After the farm noticed this had happened, it tried to lift the dog out of the pen but was attacked by the dog and sustained injuries to her hands. 

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "We would like to speak to her in connection with an incident in which a Jack Russell dog killed a chicken and bit a woman on her hand.

"The dog was being walked near a farm in Winston last month when it broke into a chicken enclosure and attacked several birds before killing one.

"After being picked up and taken out of the enclosure by the farmer, the dog then bit her on her hand."


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The police force has also warned dog walkers about taking their dog near locations with farmland, and keeping their dogs on a lead if they do.

The spokesperson added: "At this time of year, with many of our farmers busy with lambing and other new arrivals, we’d urge people to keep their dogs under control and preferably on a lead when out walking in the countryside."

If you recognise the woman, call PC Ward on 101, extension number 202257 or email him at Phillip.Ward@durham.police.uk.