Comments on: Dogs and sheep / lamb worrying

By: Gillian Postill

Gillian Postill — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:30:54 +0000

We have a field, approx two and a half acres in size, with a public footpath through the centre of it. Below the footpath and a good distance from it, the field dips into a hollow with shaded areas of bushes and trees.

We have four ex battery hens that roam freely in the dip area of the field although the area is not fenced off from the rest of the field.

Since having the hens, we have erected prominent signs at both ends of the footpath S it enters the field. The sign warns of free range hens in the field, asks walkers to keep to the public footpath and to keep dogs on a lead or under close control.

Today, a local walker crossed the field with her two white Scottie dogs. They both ran off chasing the hens and one ripped off a large part of the rear end of a hen. The Ben was later put down humanely by a vet. It may only be a chicken to anyone else but to me she was a lovely and responsive animal.

What is the legal position regarding this situation? Can I insist that the dogs are on a lead in future and what can I do if the owner refuses to comply?

By: daylight_gambler

daylight_gambler — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:18:14 +0000

Hi Laura – I am really sorry, but I am not able to provide legal advice on this, although it seems unlikely because if the dog is tied up it is no longer worrying livestock and ‘under control’.

Thanks Fred for the advice.

By: Dr.F.Jones

Dr.F.Jones — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:33:54 +0000

I’ve just read your read article.
We recently moved to the Lake District from Gateshead, nr. Newcastle, along with our two dogs Hector and Midge, a rescue dog who’s about 5 years old.
Keen to walk on “my” local Fell, I was out with the dogs before all the boxes were unpacked. Then to my horror – and for the first time ever – Midge saw some sheep move and was off, chasing them. I finally got him back and thankfully no harm was done but I knew I couldn’t let it happen again.
Desperate not to let it happen again, I did a Google search and found dog trainer Janet Ardley who runs Cumbria Dog Training.
Janet has sorted the problem out. We went to her field of sheep with both dogs and a long lead.
The moment Hector showed any interest in them it was a sharp “no” and she rattled a bottle with stones in it and it worked. But not for Midge. She tried a couple of other options without success before I agreed to her using an electronic collar, something I didn’t really want.
Janet said it was the last thing she would ever use, but doing so brought about the desired results. Midge has never looked at a sheep since then so it’s my opinion that Janet has done a great job.

Fred

By: laura

laura — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:24:33 +0000

p.s i would have quite happily paid the farmer for the damage caused by my dog if he had caught him and not shot him

By: laura

laura — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:20:11 +0000

my 2 year old dog was shot last week for attacking some chickens. The farmer did not have a gun on the premisis to kill my dog so had to phone another farmer. that would have taken at least 10-15 minets for the other farmer to arrive. My dogs collar is ripped, torn and the metal plate is bent. It seems as though he has been tied up to be shot, other wise my dog would not have been there when the farmer arrived. i had to pick my dog up in a blood filled bin bag from the police station. Is this legal?

By: Woodsford Lady

Woodsford Lady — Sat, 21 May 2011 09:06:13 +0000

I am disappointed that yesterday one of my Turkeys was killed. I didn’t see what had killed her but she was only two years old and had been plucked in one spot and a whole had been eaten out of her. I let my Guinea Fowl out this morning and walked along my boundary which is thick and tall with hawthorn etc and saw a dog in the field next door chasing my Guinea Fowl with the, I assume, owners saying isn’t that funny, go on then. They didn’t realise I was the other side of the hedge listening. I have now lost because two have flown off with fright two Guinea Fowl. I didn’t confront them because I am on my own this morning and didn’t was any backlash. This is the mentality of some dog walkers for you, encouraging their dog and laughing. I am now wondering whether to report this because as I understand it the Livestock Act doesn’t include game birds.

By: candylamb

candylamb — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:54:55 +0000

Great article, I own a lurcher and terrier both rescue, and always chasing wildlife rabbits etc… but we also have small farm, our horse and sheep have just been attacked by 2 Husky’s, the sheep was dragged in the stream, vet came we treated his small injuries and we hoped he was on mend, still not standing a few days later he was put down. His back was injured so badly I feel sick we have the police involved, I don’t understand what part of instinct people don’t understand, I love my dogs dearly but would never trust them, these Husky’s were both off the leads and 1 was muzzled!! I am just so angry the owner at first tried to deny it, but his dogs were covered in mud as the sheep was and our neighbours witnessed it, I am really worried about what control he really has over his dogs, thank goodness my horse kicked out but they did rip her rug, I would also like to add that my 2yr old son is often out helping me feed, learning to care for out animals, thankfully he wasn’t out that morning.

By: David Heap

David Heap — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:30:14 +0000

Hi, Carla, it is amazing what happens when one stands up to bullies. Keep hold of the letter that is evidence. Keep a good eye on your dog’s make sure they are chipped and tagged. Good Luck. i will let everyone know the outcome with the police and my Civil Case if the IPCC no not uphold my Appeal.

By: daylight_gambler

daylight_gambler — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:39:03 +0000

Carla – really glad the situation has been resolved satisfactory.

All the best.

By: Carla Webb

Carla Webb — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:58:04 +0000

i am happy to report my husband took a cheque round to the “farmer” last night to cover all of his vet bills and confronted him about his threatening letter. Apparently he just wanted to be “firm” and doesnt even own a gun! My husband said the farmer hardly looked him in the eye and when my husband suggested that we go to the police the farmer retracted all of his earlier threats. I am keeping hold of the letter and keeping a very close eye on both of my pups so fingers crossed this is the last I will hear about the situation. Its a shame as I feel absolutely awful about my husky nipping his sheep and would quite honestly of helped in anyway possible. The ironic thing is I havent eaten Lamb in 20 years as my nan used to have a farm near her house and I once bottle fed a baby lamb and vowed never to eat their meat again!!Apparently Rocky doesnt share in my views.

Thanks for your comments and David your situation sounds devastating, I hope you find a resolution soon although what has happened can never be undone. Its a shame that irresponsible dog owners give all of us a bad name