A SHEEP will feature at a prominent agricultural show just a few months after surviving a savage dog attack.

Dorothy the sheep will be shown at the Bury Agricultural Show in June despite vets believing that she would not live.

Her owner Stuart Alderson, of Paddock Leach Farm in Ainsworth said: “I honestly didn’t think that that she’d survive. She’s a bit of a miracle.

“She’s not a top specimen and her scars will still be visible, but I want to take her to the show to people the potential danger of dog attacks.”

Mr Alderson told how he had no choice but to shoot and kill two dogs who were attacking his livestock back in January.

One of his sheep had to be put down after the attack and four were badly injured.

Dorothy needed dozens of stitches in her back to heal a large bite wound.

Mr Alderson bathed Dorothy in manuka honey after vets recommended this treatment and now her health is almost back to normal.

The farmer explained that the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) must monitor the number of dog attacks on farm animals as the police do not keep track of this.

He hopes that showing Dorothy at the show will encourage other farmers to speak to him about their experiences with dog attacks.

Mr Alderson said: “Anyone with similar experiences can speak to me about the dangers of dogs at farms and ask me any questions about it.

“It’s a hidden problem, but I hope that people at the show will ask me questions about it after seeing Dorothy.”

Mr Alderson, whose main business is in producing pedigree breeding stock, breeds Dorset sheep.

Along with Dorothy, he be taking some of this year’s lambs to the show.

The Bury Agricultural Show will be held on Sunday, June 24 at Burrs Country Park, Bury, BL8 1DA.

For more information visit buryagricultural.org.uk