Burnley family thank public for messages of support after their cherished pet cow mauled to death in horrific dog attack

A Burnley family, who were left devastated after their pet Highland heifer was mauled to death by a dog, have been overwhelmed by dozens of messages of sympathy and support.
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Four-year-old Lexi, who was due to give birth to her first calf in two weeks, was killed after a Rottweiler dog managed to get into the field she shared with a 30 cow herd owned by Jimmy and Sarah Seed.

The dog, which is believed to have got loose without the owner's knowledge, attacked Lexi on Saturday morning, causing horrific injuries to her back legs and face. Her unborn calf also died in the attack.

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Police were called and the dog had to be shot by a farmer as it kept pouncing at the gate to the field so that no-one could get in.

Lexi the Highland heifer, who was killed by a dog, was a loving family petLexi the Highland heifer, who was killed by a dog, was a loving family pet
Lexi the Highland heifer, who was killed by a dog, was a loving family pet

Sarah (42) said: "Lexi must have suffered terribly before she died, we are absolutely heartbroken, it still doesn't seem real at the moment.

"She was such a beautiful, gentle creature who would come to greet you for a cuddle and some food.

"So many people knew her and would take their children to see her and give her a stroke.

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"We have received so many messages, cards and even flowers from people who have been so kind."

Beautiful Lexi would often greet visitors who went to see her in her fieldBeautiful Lexi would often greet visitors who went to see her in her field
Beautiful Lexi would often greet visitors who went to see her in her field

Although not displaying any physical injuries after the attack two of the Seeds' other Heifers are also pregnant as well as one of their Shetland cows. The stress of the attack poses a serious risk to the unborn calves.

News of the devastating attack prompted a flood of messages of sympathy from the community and also people who used to regularly visit Lexi in her field at Quaker Bridge in Brierfield.

And Charlotte Lewis, a friend of the Seeds who previously owned four-year-old Lexi, has set up a fund raising page to help the family foot the £650 bill they face for cremation costs.

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In a moving post Charlotte said that Lexi wasnt 'just a cow' but part of a 'loving family unit who put their pride and joy into giving these animals their forever homes'.

Lexi was due to give birth to her first calf at the end of this monthLexi was due to give birth to her first calf at the end of this month
Lexi was due to give birth to her first calf at the end of this month

Charlotte said: "As you can imagine the grief in which this family is going through.

"Lexi certainly was one of a kind and had a unique personality which many people adored, she would run down the field as soon as she heard your vehicle and was also very vocal.

"She was also one of the most softest, gentle cows she loved nothing more then giving you cuddles and pinching a carrot of you while you wasnt looking.

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"Most definitely a well loved pet, more then just an animal."

Describing themselves as 'hobby farmers' Sarah and Jimmy run BCS Highland Cattle alongside their full time jobs.

Jimmy is from a farming background as his family ran Lower Close Farm in Burnley which was later converted into the Manor Barn pub and restaurant..

The couple are helped with the herd by their son James and his wife Sarah and their daughter Kimberley and her husband Adam. They rent the field from a farmer and the herd can be kept there throughout the year thanks to their hardy breed.

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The family show their animals in agricultural shows across the North West and are regulars at Todmorden Show and the Great Yorkshire Show also. They also do a lot of work with the RSPCA, rescuing abandoned and ill treated live stock.

As a tribute to Lexi family friend, Lisa Moore, has offered to make a cherished keepsake from her horns and part of her coat and a Leicestershire based artist got in touch to offer to paint Lexi's portrait and donate it to the family.

Sarah said: "We have been very moved by such kind offers."

The tragedy has prompted the Seeds to appeal for dog owners to be aware of the risk their pets can cause to livestock.

Sarah added: "People always think their dog could never do something like this but any dog is capable of causing damage, injury and in this case, death."