Farmers in warning to dog owners

Jan 12 2006 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

DOG owners in Worcestershire are being issued a stark warning - if they do not control their pets they could be shot.

The message is being sent out after three suspected dog attacks on sheep at farms across the north of the county.

Police are reminding people that farmers have the right to shoot any dog worrying their livestock. In the most recent incident, eight sheep were killed on a farm in Clent.

PC Jason Hynes, of Hagley police station, said: "I have spoken to the farmer and advised that he has the right to protect his livestock by shooting any dog caught worrying them.

"It is the responsibility of the dog's owner to ensure their pet does not have such an opportunity and it is important that everyone with a dog understands the risks."

Last month, police warned farmers to be vigilant after a second attack on sheep in the space of a month in north Worcestershire.

One sheep died and two were left fighting for their lives when they were savaged in what was believed to have been an attack by a dog.

The injured sheep were discovered by the farmer in fields off Copyholt Lane, in Stoke Pound, near Bromsgrove

"The farmer initially found one sheep injured after apparently being bitten by a dog," said a West Mercia police spokeswoman.

"The sheep later died. The farmer then examined the other sheep and found another with bites and another one with a broken leg."

* Anyone with information about incidents can contact PC Hynes on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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