'Landowners are allowed to shoot dogs to protect livestock' - stark warning to dog owners after sheep killed in Rugby

Police are warning people to ensure that their dogs are kept under control
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Irresponsible dog owners have been given a stark warning after several sheep were killed or horrifically injured by loose dogs in Rugby last week.

PC Hoey and PC Timmins of Warwickshire Rural Crime Team issued a stern statement on Friday, October 2, warning dog owners to be more careful.

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They wrote: "We have been out today to yet another sheep worrying incident in Warwickshire with one sheep being killed and another six injured.

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"There have been a concerning number of incidents reported in the last few weeks of livestock worrying around the county.

"This week we have had two incidents in different areas of Rugby which have both resulted in horrific injuries to the sheep involved and a number being killed or having to be euthanised because of the wounds inflicted.

"The welfare of the livestock is important, plus a number will be in the early stages of pregnancy at this time of year; in addition to this the farmer’s livelihood is affected and can have serious consequences to their business or breeding stock."

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They reminded dog owners that livestock worrying is an offence which carries the penalty of a heavy fine or a prison sentence.

As a last resort, they added, landowners are by law entitled to shoot a dog they believe to be worrying livestock, with the landowner having to report the incident to the police within 48 hours if they take that course of action.

The officers issued the following advice: "If you are exercising your dog(s) in the countryside please keep to the footpaths, do not go onto private farmland without permission and if there is livestock in the field or nearby keep your dog next to you or under close control, preferably on a lead at all times.

"If you let your dog(s) loose in your garden or yard, especially if you are not there with them, please ensure that it is secure and that they cannot get out.

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"Please also ensure that you ‘pick up after your dog’ and take it home with you or to a dog poo bin.

"Dog mess left in a field can seriously affect the health of the livestock in the field with abortions, internal abnormalities and illness caused from it."

Signs to assist farmers are available from Warwickshire Police and the NFU, email [email protected] for more information.