Dog owners in Marlborough have received a stern warning to keep their pets on a lead following a series of sheep attacks in the Granham Hill area.
The incidents have left livestock with serious injuries, prompting authorities to urge dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. Reports and images from local farmers have depicted the extent of the damage inflicted by what is believed to be dog attacks.
In the most recent distressing incident reported to the police, a dog owner permitted their pet to chase and hassle sheep, resulting in one sheep being forced into the brambles while fleeing from the pursuing dog.
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Neighbourhood PCSO Melissa Camilleri emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Unfortunately we have received graphic images from farmers of the injuries sustained by sheep, inflicted by what is thought to be dogs not on leads. This is completely unacceptable.”
She went on to explain that the act of allowing a dog to worry livestock such as sheep by attacking or chasing them is a criminal offense. Even the act of chasing can result in severe harm, as the fear induced in sheep by dogs can lead to fatalities and miscarriages among pregnant ewes. Additionally, sheep fleeing from dogs may sustain injuries while attempting to escape, thus causing damage to fences and field boundaries.
Emphasizing the responsibility of dog owners, Camilleri urged, “It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is kept on a lead – so please be careful as you can never be sure about how they will react.”
Legal Backing:
According to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, the owner of a dog worrying livestock on agricultural land is guilty of an offense. Worrying livestock includes attacking or chasing in a manner likely to cause harm, suffering, abortion, or loss of produce, as well as being at large in a field or enclosure containing sheep.
Dog owners must adhere to these regulations to prevent further harm to livestock and avoid legal repercussions.