A stark reminder has been issued by the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team following a series of incidents where livestock have been killed or injured by dogs.
Police stated it is “a tragic fact that police continue to receive reports from livestock owners who have losses attributable to pet dogs”.
The post on social media described the impact on farmers as “devastating – and enraging – for a farmer to discover their sheep lying dead or badly injured, with the rest of the flock in distress”.
It added that “deaths from shock and miscarriage can often follow in the days after sheep have been worried”.
Harm
The message to dog owners was direct, stating “your pet represents a very real danger to livestock”, adding “sheep have no defences, and only YOU stand between your dog and the potential harm it will do, given the opportunity”.
The Police urged owners to check their garden perimeter fences to ensure they are escape-proof and emphasised that dogs must be kept on a lead near livestock at all times.
The appeal concluded, “on behalf of our farmers, thank you for taking care of your responsibilities”.