Dog walkers are being urged to keep their dogs under control in sheep fields as lambing season gets underway. Police and the RSPCA have issued warnings about sheep worrying, which may lead to dog walkers being sued up to £1000.
Sheep worrying occurs when a dog is either chasing or worrying a sheep to the point where it is 'reasonably expected' that the sheep will endure suffering or injury. It is more common in lambing season, which traditionally takes place from March to May.
The RSPCA has warned: "If your dog worries livestock you may end up being sued for compensation and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep."
Sussex Police has also published a statement recently, saying: "Sheep worrying is illegal, and has serious effects including stress, injury, abortion and death. It also has a devastating impact on owners seeing their animals suffer from the ordeal and financial costs." Avon and Somerset Police has not issued a separate statement but urges dog walkers to see the NFU (National Farmers' Union) website.
It comes shortly after an alpaca and a sheep were mutilated in a dog attack in Stroud last month. The livestock were in private fields off Butterrow West, Rodborough when they suffered a brutal attack by an unidentified dog.
Crombe Wilkinson Solicitors has detailed the punishments for sheep worrying on its website. It says: "If a dog is caught worrying sheep or you can prove that the dog worried sheep, the maximum penalty for the dog owner is a fine of up to £1000 compensation and costs.
"The police also have the powers to 'detain' a dog suspected of worrying livestock if there is no owner present, can can also obtain a warrant to enter premises in order to identify a dog.
"Under proposed new legislation, stiffer penalties could be introduced in cases of livestock worrying including imprisonment of dog owners for up to six months and a ban on owning dogs."
The RSPCA has shared some tips on how to avoid your dog sheep worrying when out on a walk. It says dog walkers must:
- Be aware of the effects of sheep-worrying, and let others know too
- Make sure you know where your dog is at all times
- If you're letting your dog off the lead be confident there are no livestock nearby
- Be sure that your dog will return to you promptly on command and if in doubt, keep them on the lead
Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here
