Cheshire Police rural crime group is urging canine house owners to ensure they’ve management over their dogs when they’re walking within the countryside over the Christmas interval.
Despite recommendation given to maintain dogs on leads, the group mentioned 25 sheep have been killed in 4 separate incidents prior to now month and three dogs have been shot due to the “unfolding shocking scenes”.
The group is urging canine house owners to maintain their dogs on a result in stop extra livestock deaths, particularly if they’re in “unfamiliar territory” whereas visiting household or pals over Christmas.
PC Jim Clark mentioned: “It is important that you just maintain your canine on the lead round livestock, even when you can often belief it to return to name.
“If you reside in or close to a farming space, you need to ensure that your canine can not escape out of your property, as it might discover its means onto land containing sheep.
“Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.”
Clark mentioned it’s higher to be secure than sorry through the use of a result in management a canine.
“This ought to keep away from not solely the devastation and monetary cost to the farmer who has misplaced his or her sheephowever the trauma to the canine proprietor from their canine’s actions, and the thought it may have been shot to forestall additional devastation.
“I’d merely urge house owners – regardless of how dependable you suppose your dogs are – maintain dogs on a lead close to livestock.
“We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit.”
