Concern at Number of Livestock Worrying Incidents Being Reported

We have had 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 by the dogs or having to be euthanised because of the wounds inflicted.

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.

The welfare of the livestock is important and a number will be pregnant, in addition to this the farmer’s livelihood is affected and can have serious consequences to their business or breeding stock.

Livestock worrying is an offence and owners who allow their dogs to carry out this activity could face a large fine or imprisonment.

Ultimately a landowner by law and as a last resort for protecting their livestock is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying livestock. Police must be notified within 48 hours if this course of action is taken.

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.

Signage to assist farmers is available from Warwickshire Police and the NFU, for further details please email ruralwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk.