It should go without saying that, as we’re coming up to lambing season, dogs should be kept on leads, even if your dog has good recall, expect the unexpected. These are good points to remember even when it’s not lambing season
Some reminders from Gloucester police
When walking dogs in rural areas, dog owners are advised about the following:
You must ensure a field or area has no livestock in it before letting your dog off lead. It is the law to keep your dog under control and the responsibility falls with the owner.
Always ensure your dog is under control in an area where there are livestock or wild animals.
Be particularly vigilant during lambing season and always keep dogs on a lead during this time.
If your dog is not good with other animals or people, avoid letting them off their lead when others are around.
Don’t allow people who may not be confident in doing so or have full control over the animal to walk your dog.
Remember where there may be no livestock in a field one day, the same location could be full of animals the next.
Ultimately a landowner by law, and as a last resort for protecting their livestock, is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying sheep. Police must be notified within 48 hours if this course of action is taken.