Dogs Involved In Worrying and Killing Sheep Seized by Police

PC Timmins from the Rural Crime Team has been investigating reported incidents of sheep worrying in North Warwickshire. In some cases sheep had been killed by dogs that were not under control of their owner.

Working with PC Shane Bird from Coleshill Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) PC Timmins assessed offences in Coleshill and Atherstone. Links were made to specific dogs during the course of the investigation with attempts to educate and advise failing four dogs were seized, including the one pictured here.

Coleshill SNT have been engaging with the local Farming Community and victims to keep them up to date with investigations ongoing.

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and comes under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. ‘Worrying’ is where a dog attacks or chases livestock causing injury or suffering. This isn’t just a welfare issue, but is also a threat to a farmer or livestock owner’s livelihood, especially if the animals involved are pregnant or could get onto the road.

As a last resort, to protect their livestock, a farmer is allowed to shoot the dog if it is worrying their animals and cannot be called off. Dogs must be kept under control at all times crossing farmland, especially if
there is livestock in the field. If you see a dog on the loose worrying animals please call the police.