Warwickshire Police Rural Crime Team – Important Message to Dog Owners

With the weather getting warmer and the lighter evenings with us at last, Warwickshire Police Rural Crime Team continue to raise awareness around livestock worrying and the importance of keeping dogs on a lead when near to livestock.

This is extremely important at present with heavily pregnant ewes and young lambs at foot out in the fields, being chased at a dog at this time can have devastating consequences.

Carol Cotterill, Rural Crime Coordinator said “As a force, Warwickshire Police are part of the national #OperationRecall initiative, working with the rural community to encourage responsible dog ownership and to raise awareness of proper dog handling near livestock. Livestock worrying is devastating to farmers, especially at this time of year when many sheep are either in lamb or have just given birth.  The seriousness of the impact of livestock worrying,  such as sheep being chased by a dog, cannot be stressed enough.  For the animal, it can result in stress, abortions, deformity, injury, and in some situations, death.  The Rural Crime Team follow up on all reported incidents in our county and will take action against anyone identified as committing an offence.”

Sadly we continue to receive reports with 2 incidents reported this week, both with sheep injured and killed.

It is not only sheep that are affected, all livestock, including horses are vulnerable.

If you own a dog please see our leaflet: Op Recall – Leaflet A5 (New Brand) – NoMarkup.

If you own livestock and would like one of our signs please email ruralcrimeteam@warwickshire.police.uk.