Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw a dog injure a sheep in a field off Military Road, Brighstone on Saturday (2nd June).
The incident has prompted a reminder to be issued to dog owners of the importance of being in full control of their dog when in the countryside and around livestock and wild animals.
Owners often voice surprise when their dog chases animals, but this is an innate part of a dog’s behaviour and they will instinctively chase and injure animals given the chance.
Dogs worrying livestock is a criminal offence contrary to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. In such incidents, livestock can be seriously injured or killed. It is also common for other animals witnessing this to die from shock.
Dog owners should be aware that in such instances, the owner/person in control of the dog can be prosecuted, and the dog can be shot by the farmer to end an attack.
Hampshire Constabulary’s advice to dog owners is:
• Keep your dog on a lead when in a field with livestock
• If there is no livestock in the field, keep the dog in sight at all times, be aware of what it is doing, and be confident it will return to you promptly on command – if you cannot be confident of this, the dog should not be off the lead
• Ensure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.
Anyone who saw what happened at Brighstone on Saturday is asked to call Police on 101 quoting 44180205221.
