Patrols conducted to educate on livestock worrying

Police have been conducting a week-long operation to raise awareness of livestock worrying.

It’s part of a national operation called Operation Recall to educate dog walkers on the fact if livestock are being worried by dogs it is a criminal offence. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their animals are kept under control and whilst it is appreciated that the vast majority do so, there are a few that are still not getting the message.

As part of their engagement during the week (1 – 5 April) the officers attended Jimmy’s Farm speaking to visitors to the site offering leaflets, advice and stickers. They also conducted visits to dog day care centres and vets across the county, as well as more general patrols speaking to around 200 people in total.

In one recent example in the Carlton Colville area police received a report on 27 March from an owner of horses saying dogs were running loose through their stables, chasing chickens with one killed. In another incident at the same location a foal and mother were distressed by dogs, prompting the owner to move them to a stable to keep them safe.

Sheep can die purely from being frightened and don’t necessarily have to have physical contact from dogs. They can also miscarry at this time of year if chased and it can be devastating so close to lambing. This not only has an impact on the animals themselves but can also be distressing for the farmers as well as adversely affecting their business.

There is also the importance of humans themselves staying safe – distressed cows can be a danger to dog walkers themselves with the possibility of a stampeding herd.  Cows at this time of year will often have a calf and they can be very protective.

In order to avoid these situations arising, police would urge the public to take extra care when out and about and always ensure your dog is secured on a lead whenever you’re near livestock.

Sgt Chris Green from the Rural and Wildlife Policing Team said: “We’d ask dog walkers to act responsibly whilst out with their dogs, particularly when around livestock.

“The emotional impact on farmers and landowners should never be underestimated.

“For example, seeing a flock of sheep through the lambing season is an extremely involved process. The financial implications for farmers stretch far beyond the price of a dead ewe. It involves the loss of future earnings, the replacement of expensive breeding stock, veterinary costs, disposal costs right down to the impact it may have on their insurance."

"People need to remember, it's not just about keeping a dog on a lead - it is also about recognising that a dog's actions reflect on the owner and a lack of control is neglect, and the consequences of neglect is a ban on keeping dogs/animals in future, as well as potentially being held on a police record."

Police do take this type of offending seriously and we will investigate any offences that are reported to us.

Op Recall is an initiative supported by the RSPCA and Nature Watch Foundation