Hampshire police has sent out a strong-worded warning to dog walkers after a farmer discovered the dead bodies of 16 sheep in his field.
The farmer found the sheep on the morning of Tuesday (7 November) in the Odiham area of Hampshire.
While none of the sheep had visible injuries, it is believed a dog had got on to the field and the animals died due to the stress caused.
PC Vincent Lane, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch team, said: “I would like to remind dog owners of the importance of being in full control of their dog when in the countryside and around livestock and wild animals.
“Owners often voice surprise when their dog chases animals, but this is an innate part of a dog’s behaviour and they will instinctively chase and injure animals given the chance.”
Dogs worrying livestock is a criminal offence contrary to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
PC Lane continued: “In such incidents, livestock can be seriously injured or killed. It is also common for other animals witnessing this to die from shock.
“Dog owners should be aware that in such instances, the owner/person in control of the dog can be prosecuted, and the dog can be shot by the farmer to end an attack.”
Police advice to dog owners
• Keep your dog on a lead when in a field with livestock
• If there is no livestock in the field, keep the dog in sight at all times, be aware of what it is doing, and be confident it will return to you promptly on command. If you cannot be confident of this, the dog should not be off the lead
• Ensure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.
If you have any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting 44170433995.
