Kent Man Slapped with £6,150 Fine After Dogs Kill Eight Sheep
A Kent man has been hit with a hefty fine after his three dogs mauled and killed eight sheep near Maidstone last year. The savage attacks sparked a serious police investigation and a court hearing that sent a strong message to dog owners across the county.
Terrifying Attacks Near Maidstone
On 22 October 2022, three dogs launched a brutal attack on ewes grazing near Chart Hill Road. The terrified sheep were chased into a river, where several drowned. The dogs left others badly injured. Just two days later, the same pack returned to the field and killed another four sheep.
£5,000 Compensation and Fines for Owner
Kent Police’s Rural Task Force cracked the case, leading to a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 12 June 2023. The man responsible pleaded guilty to two counts of sheep worrying. He was ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation to the sheep owner plus fines totalling £1,150.
“These were particularly nasty incidents,” said Sergeant Darren Walshaw of the Rural Task Force. “They caused distressing injuries and the deaths of eight sheep, several of which were pregnant. This year alone, we’ve seen nearly 50 reports of sheep worrying in Kent. Besides the suffering, attacks hit farmers hard with vet bills and the cost of replacing animals.”
“This penalty is a serious warning to keep dogs under control around livestock. Remember, farmers have the right to shoot dogs if they are worrying their flocks.”
Know the Law on Sheep Worrying
- Under the Animals Act 1971, anyone protecting livestock can kill or injure a dog they reasonably believe is worrying them — without facing criminal or civil action.
- Dog owners can be prosecuted for causing or allowing their dogs to worry livestock on agricultural land.
- Sheep worrying includes attacking or chasing livestock in a way likely to cause injury, suffering, or loss.
- Having a dog off-lead or out of close control in fields where livestock are kept can also be an offence.
Dog owners, take heed: keep your pets locked down and away from sheep. Ignoring the rules could cost you far more than a fine — it could cost lives.
