The lambing season is now upon us, and this year, once again, the police (via Operation Recall) and local authorities are compelled to raise public awareness about sheep worrying. Sadly, sheep worrying incidents are on the increase. Such incidents not only cause extreme distress to sheep, but can often result in mutilated sheep, fatalities and aborted lambs. It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep, which includes chasing.
Dog owners should note that farmers have a legal right to shoot any dog that chases, endangers, attacks or harms their livestock.
To avoid such awful and upsetting scenes, dog owners are urged to keep their dogs under control and to observe the following:
- - PLEASE always keep your dog(s) on a lead if you are near an area or field with livestock in it.
- - If your dog(s) are outside unsupervised at any time, please ensure that they are unable to escape from your property.
- - Do not go onto private land unless there is a public footpath, or you have permission from the landowner.
- - Please be a responsible dog owner, enjoy the countryside and being with your pet, but don’t put other animals at risk.
The Police will take action against anyone whose dog is found to be attacking or worrying livestock or other animals. An animal welfare bill is likely to be passed into law this year, meaning that there will be unlimited fines for offenders, and any dogs suspected of attacking livestock will be seized by the police.