Wiltshire Rural Crime Team said they had received, on average, two reports a month relating to dog attacks on livestock (generic)
A police force in England has warned of the ‘shocking injuries' to sheep from dog attacks in Wiltshire after being called out to several incidents.
Wiltshire Rural Crime Team confirmed they had attended a number of attacks on flocks of sheep by dogs recently.
Officers said on average, they had received two reports a month of dog attacks which had - in some instances - led to the death of sheep.
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While police encouraged residents to enjoy the countryside and enjoy ‘healthy walks' with their dogs, they did ask owners to ensure pets act responsibly around livestock.
Rural crime officers in Wiltshire provided the following guidance owners should follow in the countryside:
- Always keep dogs under control when walking in rural areas - if livestock are present keep your dog on a lead. Remember even small dogs are capable of attacking and killing livestock
- Always close gates behind you. This will prevent any animals escaping
- If your garden borders livestock fields, make sure that all the boundaries are completely secure because many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby
- Familiarise puppies with farm livestock from a young age to reduce the risk of them attacking sheep or cattle as adult dogs (speak to a local farmer to arrange)
- Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and if prosecuted you can be fined up to £1,000.
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Free signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through Farmers Guardian's ‘Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
