Police Issue Stark Warning to Dog Owners Over Livestock Worrying
Spot livestock? Put your dog on a lead – no excuses! Police have issued a blunt reminder to dog owners: when near fields with livestock, leash your dog immediately. A dog’s natural chase instinct can cause havoc before you realise there’s a problem.
Livestock Worrying Is a Serious Offence
Don’t risk it. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence that could land you six months behind bars and/or a hefty fine of up to £1,000.
Police urge all dog owners to act responsibly and keep their dogs on leads near farm animals. It’s the only way to stop incidents before they happen.
Forget These Excuses – They Don’t Fly
- “He’s never done this before.”
- “She’s usually so well behaved.”
- “He’s only little – what harm could he do?”
- “She’s great with kids.”
- “I have total control off the lead.”
- “The sheep ran off, so he chased it – it wasn’t my dog’s fault.”
Excuses won’t cut it when livestock get spooked and run off. Protect the countryside and support local farmers by keeping dogs on leads.
Spot Something Suspicious? Speak Up!
If you see or suspect livestock worrying, call 101. If a crime is happening right now, dial 999 immediately.
Respect the countryside. Keep dogs on leads. Spread the word.
