Dog walker fined over livestock worrying in North Hants
Six lambs killed by out of control dog at Ewhurst Park
Last updated 20th May 2021
A professional dog walker has been fined and ordered to pay compensation after admitting to a livestock worrying incident at Ramsdell between Tadley and Basingstoke.
Basingstoke Magistrates Court heard how he lost control of one of the dogs that was under his care at Ewhurst Park – it then attacked a flock of sheep killing six lambs.
The 58-year-old from Basingstoke was ordered to pay fines and costs of more than a thousand pounds – he also signed an agreement to ensure the dog would be kept on a lead in the future.
In a separate incident in late December 2020, the same dog handler had lost control of a dog at Winslade in Basingstoke. The dog chased a number of sheep and injured them, requiring veterinary treatment.
He was summoned to Basingstoke Magistrates Court and was charged with being in charge of a dog worrying livestock. After pleading guilty to the offences in court on Thursday 6 May, he was fined £176, ordered to pay £950 compensation to the victim and pay a £35 victim surcharge alongside £85 in court costs.
In addition, he was required to sign a Dog Behaviour Agreement - requiring him to keep their dog on a lead at all times when in a public place.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said:
"These incidents can have a huge impact on the rural farming community and Hampshire Constabulary will always take these reports very seriously and seek to investigate.
"If you see anything suspicious or have been a victim of crime, please report it via Hampshire Constabulary’s online reporting tool on their website or by calling 101. "