Dead sheep found with wounds in Rumst's Molenbeekse Plassen: 'Likely attacked by a loose dog'

A sheep farmer discovered one of his animals dead with leg injuries in the Molenbeekse Plassen flood control area in Rumst, Belgium. The police zone Rupel is investigating the incident. "The strong suspicion is that the sheep was bitten by a loose dog," said Alderman for Animal Welfare Christine Jacobs. The farmer, Freddy Michiels, was on vacation abroad when a relative informed him about the discovery. His sheep graze in the area as part of an agreement with the province to keep the grass short in an environmentally friendly way. Michiels stated that the sheep was found with blood around its mouth, suggesting it might have had a heart attack from fear of a dog. The area is freely accessible, but dogs are supposed to be on a leash. Michiels noted that some owners disregard this rule. As there are no surveillance cameras, he could only file a report with the police. Jacobs confirmed that the police received a report against unknown persons. "If this is confirmed, we will have to consider additional measures," she said, urging witnesses to report any sightings or sounds to the police.