Farmers can shoot dogs

AmyMay

AmyMay

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At least in my neck of the woods anyway.

I know that there is sometime debate over the legalities of this. But in our parish newsletter yesterday it was categorically stated that a dog seen to be worrying livestock could be shot by the farmer. (The statement was made due to the increase in sheep worrying seen over the last few weeks).

Anyway - thought you all might be interested.
 
Whats the problem? A dog seen to be 'worrying' sheep or cattle can be shot, it doesn't have to be physically attacking them either, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a dog worrying my sheep, why should we stand by when someones pet is endangering our livlihood. We have pedigree sheep, the ewes are worth about 1k each and are in lamb to a 3k ram, 2 lambs with a potential value of up to 2.5k x 40 ewes. Thats alot of monies worth. At least everyone has been warned.
I visited a woman who lets her 2 jrt's out for a 'run' they are frequently around the farm, i haven't been able to catch them but they were very close to our sheep a few nights ago, I have suggested to her that if she prefers that they are not delivered home dead that maybe she should invest in some fencing. She also wasn't keen on the fact i would want compensation for any damage caused by her little darlings, haven't seen them for a day or 2. Oh, when i turned up she said 'are the dogs up at the farm again' so she knows where they go. I also told her if i catch them on the farm (not near the sheep) i will take them to the dog warden so she'll have to pay to get them back.
 
Yes this has been law for years, I think the problem is if a farmer shoots a dog who is in among his sheep , and is not actually chasing them at the time. Farmers would not often carry a shotgun with them every day.
I have often asked people to put dogs on leads [as per notices] when walking on an estate near lambs, it only takes a few seconds for a dog to get in amongst them.
 
jrp204 said:
Whats the problem? A dog seen to be 'worrying' sheep or cattle can be shot, it doesn't have to be physically attacking them either, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a dog worrying my sheep, why should we stand by when someones pet is endangering our livlihood. We have pedigree sheep, the ewes are worth about 1k each and are in lamb to a 3k ram, 2 lambs with a potential value of up to 2.5k x 40 ewes. Thats alot of monies worth. At least everyone has been warned.
I visited a woman who lets her 2 jrt's out for a 'run' they are frequently around the farm, i haven't been able to catch them but they were very close to our sheep a few nights ago, I have suggested to her that if she prefers that they are not delivered home dead that maybe she should invest in some fencing. She also wasn't keen on the fact i would want compensation for any damage caused by her little darlings, haven't seen them for a day or 2. Oh, when i turned up she said 'are the dogs up at the farm again' so she knows where they go. I also told her if i catch them on the farm (not near the sheep) i will take them to the dog warden so she'll have to pay to get them back.
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That is a good idea, no way should dogs be allowed loose at this time of the year particularly.
 
amymay said:
They are, by law, required to be on a lead during certain months (which I can't remember now, but think it's March to July)
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Only on open access land. On normal public rights of way, your dog does not have to be permanently on a lead - it depends on the other circumstances (such as the dog being under control or there being livestock in the field, etc).
 
I would have to accept it if it happened to my dog but I would be absolutely devastated to see it. It would just be awful... as would the sight of my dog running amok and frightening sheep though. Sobering thought.
 
I agree with the law . I'm sure someone posted a link once that said it extended to horses(dogs chasing them) but can't remember, can anyone clarify. One of my Facespace friends (in the States) lost four foals about six weeks ago when some dogs got into the fields after morning turnout . They couldn't shoot them as the mares were going crazy and they couldn't get clear shots . Very,very sad day .
 
Dobiegirl said:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/22
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Clearly defined, thanks for that. It has always been my belief that shooting a dog was permitted, with the provisos that a/ the owners weren't present, because they would presumably be able to stop an attack, and b/ that there was no other way of stopping such an attack. I was wrong. It would seem from the Act, that greater freedom of choice is permitted.

I have shot two dogs, both acting together, and it was a loathsome thing to do. They were in the act of attacking a ewe who was actually lambing, a close approach wouldn't work, and as they were busy at the ewe, and they were both moving, they both needed second shots to finish them. Correct bullet placement on a moving target at 100 metres, isn't easy. It was a distressing business, from every aspect. The lamb was dead, having been dragged out by the dog at the rear, the dogs had been having a tug-of-war, with one holding on to the ewe's face, and the other on the unborn lamb, and the ewe was in such a state, that I shot her too.

Having Right and the Law on my side was of no consolation. ALL dogs should be kept away from sheep at lambing time. My dogs and sheep know each other, but it's only in an emergency that I take a dog with me at lambing.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
Clearly defined, thanks for that. It has always been my belief that shooting a dog was permitted, with the provisos that a/ the owners weren't present, because they would presumably be able to stop an attack, and b/ that there was no other way of stopping such an attack. I was wrong. It would seem from the Act, that greater freedom of choice is permitted.

I have shot two dogs, both acting together, and it was a loathsome thing to do. They were in the act of attacking a ewe who was actually lambing, a close approach wouldn't work, and as they were busy at the ewe, and they were both moving, they both needed second shots to finish them. Correct bullet placement on a moving target at 100 metres, isn't easy. It was a distressing business, from every aspect. The lamb was dead, having been dragged out by the dog at the rear, the dogs had been having a tug-of-war, with one holding on to the ewe's face, and the other on the unborn lamb, and the ewe was in such a state, that I shot her too.

Having Right and the Law on my side was of no consolation. ALL dogs should be kept away from sheep at lambing time. My dogs and sheep know each other, but it's only in an emergency that I take a dog with me at lambing.

Alec.
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What an awful experience.
Even the best behaved dog should be away from livestock or on a lead.
kx
 
Alec swan- what a sad story. I agree with the law, its just a shame for the most part it wouldn't be required if dog owners were more responsible in the first place.
 
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