Dog attacks: Johnny Depp’s dog blamed for killing two sheep in countryside attack

The attack happened near the actor's rented property in the English countryside. Photo / Getty Images

Johnny Depp’s rescue dog has reportedly mauled two sheep to death.

The American actor, 62, is renting a mansion in East Sussex, southeast England and his pet is said to have launched the attack after escaping during a countryside walk close to the star’s home, according to a farmer.

According to the Sun, Depp was not at home at the time of the incident but has since hired a professional trainer and introduced “all extra precautions” to prevent a repeat of the incident, in which his bull mastiff, named Bourbon, reportedly broke free from a handler before attacking the animals.

Sheep owner Joe Ginger told the Sun: “I take my work and my sheep very seriously, it is my business. It is a serious matter.”

A source also told the publication: “Johnny was not at the house at the time and his aide was walking the dog.”

“He broke free and went after the sheep. Two were killed. It was all very traumatic.”

The incident is understood to have taken place on farmland neighbouring Depp’s country property, which he is believed to be renting for around £12,000 ($27,600) a month.

Ginger is said to be “understandably furious”.

Sources told the Sun such attacks are not uncommon in the area when dogs are inadequately trained.

Depp was reportedly distressed when informed of what had happened, particularly as he has sought privacy and quiet at the East Sussex home.

The 19th-century mansion, dating back to the mid-1800s, has landscaped grounds and a distinctive sunken walled garden.

It is close to the former home of Depp’s late friend, guitarist Jeff Beck, who died in 2023.

The sheep were valued at about £180 each, according to a local smallholder.

The land where the animals were killed is believed to be owned by the same landlord who rents out Depp’s property.

The Los Angeles-born actor has faced dog-related controversies before.

In 2015, his Yorkshire Terriers, Boo and Pistol, were flown into Australia on a private jet with his then wife Amber Heard.

Authorities threatened to euthanise the animals within 72 hours unless they were removed, claiming they had been brought into the country without the necessary quarantine documents.