Officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Country Watch team are issuing a warning to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads after a number of sheep were killed over the weekend.
During an incident on Saturday evening (5th August), it is reported that a dog chased a number of sheep at around 17:30 on St. John’s Road in Wroxall; before the owner got the dog under control and left the scene.
Another incident also occurred earlier on Saturday, where a dog entered a field in the Godshill area and chased sheep resulting in the death of 2 sheep and worrying a number of others. The owner of the dog has agreed to pay compensation to the victim as a result of their losses.
A number of sheep were either killed and injured during others incidents in Ninham in March and Whitwell in April earlier this year.
As a result, members of the Country Watch team will be increasing their proactive patrols of hot-spot areas across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to tackle the ongoing issues.
Police Staff Investigator Andrew Williams, from the Country Watch team, said:
“The majority of dog owners are responsible, but unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk. It is so important to keep dogs either on leads or under close control, particularly around livestock.
“Shepherds report that they get a mixed response from dog owners when challenged, some are apologetic but others can be hostile. I would like to remind dog owners that they must be mindful of livestock – even if they can’t see them – when out and ensure that they keep their dogs on the lead.
Article continues below this advertisement “If you are walking your dog in a field and there is no livestock, please 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.”
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock. We want owners to be aware that in such instances, the owner or person in control of the dog can be prosecuted and the dog can by shot by the farmer to end an attack.
See plenty of these idiots with dogs off leads who think that wee Fido wouldn’t harm a fly. As soon as they get near a sheep, their natural instincts kick in and they can’t help themselves. Just keep your dogs under control and realise that they can do plenty of harm to sheep, even the stress of being chased can cause lasting harm. And remember that a farmer can shoot an out of control dog if it is going to harm sheep.
Mostly dim weak Women who can’t control their dogs.
Using terms like, ‘He just wants to say hello’ or ‘He is all noise’ as some thing either leaps all over you, your picnic, or your child, or barks and growls at you.
I now take protection, as without, against any dog that lunges at you, you haven’t a hope.
A sheep dog at Burntwood Farm Porchfield has attacked a friend of mine even biting his boot, the arrogant farm owner could not care less.
Was it a “weak woman ” farmer?
I would fine any dog owner who does not keep their dog on a lead
I keep mine on a lead.
Too be honest many dog owners need keeping on a lead themselves
‘Stupid inconsiderate B’stards’
Keep Dogs on a lead
How many times when i take my dog for a walk do i have to worry about dogs of leads.
Then the owner comes running along with the usual crap saying don’t worry he is friendly
oblivious to the fact my dog hates other dogs. Any dog of lead should be fined.
Have you considered a dog vest for your dog with appropriate wording to warn others?? Then people wouldn’t be oblivious.
All dogs should be kept on leads near farm livestock.
Just keep your dog on a lead if there are people or animals about. I do not want your mucky, slavering dog jumping on me.
Maybe a vest with the words: “KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD OR MY DOG WILL EAT IT”.