A dog owner, whose dogs killed 35 sheep and injured 14 more after being “dangerously out of control”, has been fined and given a community order, according to the Suffolk Constabulary.
It is reported that Linda Lawrence, 66, of Stansfield, was arrested on 19 July last year after incidents of livestock worrying on nearby farmland.
Suffolk Constabulary stated that Lawrence was  subsequently charged and during court proceedings, pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court in March this year to criminal damage and owning a dog dangerously out of control.
Lawrence returned before Ipswich Crown Court last Thursday (May 7) for sentencing, where she was handed an 18-month community order to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, as well as take part in 20 rehabilitation days.
She was also handed an indefinite ban on dog ownership and ordered to pay £1,224 in compensation to the sheep farmer, alongside a further £1,000 in costs.
Suffolk Constabulary
Sergeant Chris Green, who is apart of the Suffolk Constabulary’s rural, wildlife and heritage crime team, recognised the serious impact livestock worrying incidents can have on rural communities.
Sgt. Green said: “This was investigated fully, with evidence and support from local residents helping officers to build a strong case that ultimately led to the defendant pleading guilty.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim in the case and those affected by the incident, which we know was particularly distressing for all involved.
“As well as engagement with local residents, these types of incidents have been discussed in Community Safety Partnership meetings with councillors around the area.”
He outlined that the police and it partners are working together to see how they can better prevent livestock worrying in the future.
Stronger enforcement
Green highlighted that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) introduced stricter penalties for livestock worrying offences earlier this year, including increasing fines from £1,000 to an unlimited amount and giving police the power to detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing threat to livestock.
He commented: “Since this case, a change in law has been implemented, bringing in increased powers for police when dealing with offences where dogs have worried or attacked livestock.
“The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that irresponsible dog ownership can have on livestock and wildlife, residents and the dogs themselves.
“This is a clear warning of the consequences that owners could face if found guilty of these offences.”