[Bionic]

This is really horrific. I feel for you and the sheep.

On a more positive note, someone with Ryelands recently had a dog owner taken to court where a similar thing had happened. The woman was pleading not guilty up until the court day and then changed her plea. She was fined £1000 which included the £350 pound vets bill.

Lets hope the decision makes decide to take this to court too. It looks like you have plenty of evidence.

[Penninehillbilly]

Are they paying costs and replacements then.?
The laws are ridiculous, protecting perpetrator more than victim.

Do you know where the are getting in? Would it be worth putting an electric fence round the outside of your fence?
Or get a fox trap? If it just happens to catch a terrier, that terrier might just disappear?
Can the dog owners see onto your land? How about 'shooting a few rabbits' somewhere where they can see?
What the h*ll were dogs doing out at that time of the night/morning anyway???!!!
So frustrating

[landroverroy]

As to the legalities of shooting the dogs - as you say - once you have caught the dogs they are no longer a threat. I actually know of a farmer whom the RSPCA took to court under similar circumstances.
However, the best advice I've heard is to shoot the dogs and then put some fleece in their mouths. Obviously you do not mention that you'd caught the animals alive. You shot them while worrying the sheep (as evidenced by the fleece) and then merely retrieved their bodies.

[lord flynn]

I've a gelding that likes to 'play' with dogs that you can borrow to out in their garden, see how they like their dog being used as a 'play' thing?! This makes me so cross, dog owners are so bloody entitled anyway most of them, if they can't stop is going out it must be on a lead, even in their garden.


anyone your way doing fox control? I'd get them out lamping overnight..

[waterbuffalofarmer]

You need the other farmer on hand and you both need to press charges and write to your local mp. Also you could write a letter to the head of police in the next county and in your area explaining everything. Did you have any pictures of the dog attack (ie did you take any pictures of the dead ewe? ) this cant be let go, i am surprised at the police for not putting them down. You could also get the vet on hand as well as he would testify in court as to the state of the ewes. It is your right to have them put down. It needs to be dealt with, you cannot let this thing go. It might be worth having a lawer/solicitor on board too. I hope it all works out well for you and your neighbours and i hope the rest of lambing goes well.

[TheSmilingSheep]

As everyone says - so sorry for what you've had to go through - and so pleased to read that your orphan lamb is beginning to thrive.

On a legal note - whilst a criminal case might lay in the hands of the 'decision makers', if you had the energy I imagine that you could start a civil action for trespass/damage etc... in the small claims court. Prior to such a thing you should send a 'letter before action' to the dog owners setting out your claim.  There's no reason why you should be out of pocket for ANYTHING (including your time off work dealing with everything etc.) and I suspect that the guilt, embarrassment and general seriousness of receiving such a letter might mean that (a) they settle up with you immediately (and I KNOW it's not about the money) and (b) they realise that in every sense of the word their dogs' behaviour is completely unacceptable and they as owners are completely responsible....  good luck whatever you decide to do....

[Jukes Mum]

I'm at work so can't respond to all of the above but basically yes, I will get compensation, but that is not what is keeping me awake at night. I know they will be back. I can't sit up all night waiting for them either.
I have been in touch with a dog law specialist today and he has advised to contact the police to discuss a complaint under Section 2 of the Dogs Act 1871. I'll keep you posted.

[Marches Farmer]

I'd be inclined to make as much noice as possible as loudly as possible, not just legally but around the neighbourhood, tell the postie and the shopkeepers, etc. 

[Tippytoad]

So so sorry to hear this :-( good luck with the lamb. x 

[OhLaLa]

Very saddened to read no action will be taken but not surprised. It doesn't matter how 'nice' or 'apologetic' the owner is. Facts are facts, and those dogs are sheep worriers - sheep killers.


So, now, if it was me then I'd buy a humane fox trap (or two). HUMANE so if something else wanders into it you can release it unharmed.


Place them where you think the dogs might pass (bait them with something they will sniff out, i.e. a tempting smelling treat). Don't put them where a lamb might wander into them.


Once the dogs are in there - your choice - I know what mine would be.


My very best wishes to you and your flock. I truly hope all goes well for you all.

[Penninehillbilly]

So, now, if it was me then I'd buy a humane fox trap (or two). HUMANE so if something else wanders into it you can release it unharmed..

Sorry, when I suggested fox trap i thought they were all live traps, only ones I've seen pictures of.

[Jukes Mum]

Thought I'd just update on this.
The police have informed me that both dogs involved have now been put to sleep under the advice of the dog warden.
I was asked if I would like to pursue the case further. I think the owners have suffered more than enough by losing their pets so I won't be taking it any further. It is so sad and such a shame that this has happened just because of their stupidity.

[DavidandCollette]

I think that you did the right thing.never mind the dog owners you don't need any more hassle

[SallyintNorth]

Best outcome to a truly horrible situation.  I'm glad you won't have to worry about these two dogs coming a-visiting again.  Let's hope the owners have learned their lesson.

[devonlady]

Too many folk come to live in the country so that their children and dogs can "have a bit of freedom", they don't see (how can they?) what may come of this. They start out full of happy dreams and are not only devastated but amazed when their child drowns in a slurry pit or when one of their dogs who wouldn't harm a fly kills livestock.
As my Dad would say, it's not intention but ignorance.