Sheep Killed by Loose Dog on Isle of Wight
Officers have wrapped up their probe into a nasty incident in Ninham, Isle of Wight, where a loose dog chased sheep and fatally bit one on March 14.
Dog Owner Pays Up After Attack
A 53-year-old woman from Sandown, the owner of the dog, soon apologised and coughed up £300 compensation to the shepherd. Police settled the matter with a community resolution, avoiding court after reviewing evidence from the Country Watch team and consulting the victim.
Community resolutions let minor offences be dealt with without prosecution if the suspect admits guilt and the victim agrees. It’s a quick out-of-court fix that depends on all evidence and the victim’s wishes.
Police Warn Dog Owners: Keep Your Pets Under Control
“The majority of dog owners are responsible,” said Police Staff Investigator Andrew Williams of the Country Watch team. “Unfortunately, there is a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.”
Dog owners must keep pets on leads or in close control near livestock. Williams added, “If your dog is running in a field without livestock, always keep it in sight, know what it’s doing, and be sure it obeys commands immediately. If in doubt, keep it on a lead.”
He also urged owners to keep dogs from straying off paths or into restricted areas.
Legal Warning for Dog Owners
It’s a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 to worry or attack livestock. Owners or controllers of dogs can face prosecution. Farmers have the right to shoot dogs to stop attacks on their animals.
Dog owners beware — keep your dogs safe, under control, or risk serious consequences.
