Pet owners warned – farmers can shoot your dog

Following a spate of sheep worrying in the region, dog owners are being warned that their pets could be shot if they are seen to have chased livestock.

Every year Police urge owners to keep their dogs under control around other animals – but often the advice is ignored by owners who believe their pets aren’t involved – or that serious injury has to be sustained by the livestock.

This week a sheep in Gawsworth has been reported to have been badly mauled by a dog – and Cheshire Police are warning owners that farmers have the legal right to shoot dogs that are worrying their livestock.

Sergeant Rob Simpson, from the Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team, said: “The term, worrying livestock, does the severity of the offence no favours.

“Essentially no harm or death has to occur to any of the livestock, as your dog simply chasing them is enough. Any time a dog is left unattended is simply not acceptable; it is so important that you make every effort to prevent this.

“No farmer likes the prospect of shooting a dog, let alone actually doing it. Many are dog owners themselves, but it’s written into law that they can protect their livestock.

“There is only one person who can prevent this kind of incident from happening – the dog’s owner.”

Another recent attack happened in Mobberley, which left two sheep suffering from throat injuries so severe they had to be put down.

Earlier this year there has been other incidents at Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Poynton and Disley.

Owners have also been warned that even if their dog is shot they could still face prosecution for it being out of control in the first place – and could be subject to a civil claim by the farmer for sustained losses.

There is a way to easily avoid all this – keep it on a lead at all times.

Sgt Simpson said: “We as a team have prosecuted people for these offences and tried to get people to understand the dangers of not having your dog under proper control.

“Everyone we’ve ever interviewed has always said, ‘my dog has never done this before’. Dogs do run off on occasion, but you should be able to immediately recall your dog.

“You need not worry, however, as if you’re with your dog and you have it under proper control as the law states you should, there is no risk to the livestock or your dog.”