Dog Attacks Sheep in Lilley Bottom – One Dead
A dog went rogue in Lilley Bottom on Saturday, 20 February, causing chaos at around 9.30am. It escaped and charged into a field, attacking several sheep. Tragically, one sheep was killed.
Owner Takes Responsibility and Offers Compensation
The dog’s owner, a 55-year-old man, quickly stepped up. He caught the dog and accepted full responsibility. He also agreed to compensate the farmer for the loss.
PC Art Wilkes from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) confirmed a community resolution was issued on 23 April, making the owner pay the farmer. “Sheep worrying incidents have risen recently,” he warned. “Dog owners must be responsible.”
Strict Warnings for Dog Owners Near Livestock
Wilkes stressed: “Keep your dog on a short lead near livestock—even if it usually obeys. And make sure your dog can’t escape your property if you live near farms. It could find its way to livestock and cause serious harm.”
Under the Protection of Livestock Act 1953, worrying sheep is a criminal offence. This includes:
- Attacking sheep
- Chasing them causing injury, suffering, abortion, or loss of produce
- Being off-lead or not under close control in fields with sheep
You don’t have to kill sheep to be guilty of an offence. If you witness sheep worrying, call 999 immediately.
