A man whose dogs terrified a farmer’s flock of sheep will pay compensation to the farmer following a community resolution, Essex police have confirmed.
The event, which occurred in Ingatestone, Essex, devastated the flock.
A police investigation found the 55-year-old man let his two dogs off their leash while walking down a country lane on March 29.
The dogs ran into a field where the farmer had pregnant ewes at the time.
One of the ewes, who was pregnant with triplets, went into shock and died a short time later. Another ewe was injured after getting tangled in brambles and barbed wire while trying to flee.
The farmer stated he had a third ewe reject her lambs as a result of the trauma she went through.
Investigation into the attack
The Investigating officer, Luke Jones said he could recognise the distress caused by the dogs.
Officer Jones said; “Livestock worrying causes suffering to the animals and can result in their death, while it often means a financial loss for the owner.
“Often, they [the owner] don’t want the dog owner or the person walking the dogs prosecuted but they do want to make sure the dog won’t attack livestock again and they do want to be compensated for any damage, loss, or vet bills incurred.”
The police officer went on to say that a community resolution was the best way to resolve the issue. The dog walker admitted fault and arranged an agreement of resolution with the farmer, which involved an apology and a payment towards the loss of the sheep.
Officer Jones noted: “We have found this approach to be very effective at preventing repeat attacks as the person really understands the damage caused by their lack of control over the dogs.”
New law to protect sheep
Currently, a Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is in the final stages of passing through the House of Commons.
If passed, the law will provide police with more power to act on situations like that outlined above.
The law will also extend the scope of the legislation to better protect alpacas and llamas, as well as adding roads and paths to the list of locations where an offence can take place.
