Local farmers, Neil & Rachel Hayball at Speckets Knapp Lamb have their sheep graze between Broadwindsor and Pilsdon pen.
Tragically yesterday, an out of control dog killed a 10 month old lamb that they have been nurturing along with the rest of the flock since birth.
An angry Rachel posted the picture of the dead lamb on social media stating “THIS is what happens when you fail to keep your dog on lead or secure within your property. . . . Before anyone asks whether I am sure it was a dog – yes I am. I’ve just found dog foot prints and the injuries to the lamb are consistent with a dog attack.”
Rachel continued “Please be aware that if we catch a dog in with our sheep and we can’t get hold of it it WILL be shot as per UK law.“
Dorset Police have been informed and anyone with any information is requested to use the Crime Ref. number: 10-646
The Law –
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence. The Act considers sheep worrying to include: attacking sheep. chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce.
Farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep. Farmers cannot shoot dogs simply due to trespassing. If they do, they could be prosecuted in a civil action by the owner. Farmers will need to prove they shot the dog as the only way possible or last resort to protect livestock. Farmers cannot shoot dogs that have permission to be on the farmland.