'Take the Lead': Police remind walkers to keep dogs under control
'Livestock worrying' is a criminal offence
Dog walkers across Devon and Cornwall are being urged by the police to keep your canines under control this lambing season.
'Livestock worrying' is a criminal offence - and under the law, you do not have to be the person walking the dog to face sanctions such as a prison sentence and/or fine.
Between 1 January and 6 March Devon & Cornwall Police recorded 38 incidents of livestock worrying across the Force area.
Last month alone, the force say they received a number of reports of the offence in the Mid Devon area, including one incident in Culmstock, where a sheep was attacked by two dogs. The injured sheep received emergency veterinary treatment.
Following the incident, a dog owner admitted the offence - and covered the vet bills.
The owner was also handed a dog control order - which means her dogs need to be on a lead at all times outside of the home.
It's very important to keep dogs under control
Mid Devon Sector Inspector Mark Arthurs said: “The Mid Devon Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to highlight the importance of keeping your dogs under control now Spring has sprung.
“As we enjoy the lighter evenings we are seeing more cattle and sheep with their offspring in the fields. It is really important that while dog owners are enjoying the finer weather they remember dogs should always be under control and on a lead in the presence of livestock or cattle. It’s simply not worth the risk of your dog running off and worrying or injuring grazing animals.
'Livestock worrying could result in a criminal record'
Inspector Arthurs continued: “A dog worrying sheep or cattle could be shot by a farmer or if the dog is dangerously out of control police may seek a court order for the destruction of the dog(s).
“Livestock worrying is a highly emotive subject with the farming community, they not only suffer the financial implications of these attacks but the emotional impact too. I would implore dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and choose fenced off dog exercise parks to let their dogs off the lead. We live in a great area of the country and while I want people to enjoy our rural communities, I need to highlight that livestock worrying could result in a criminal record for the dog owner and the person in charge of the dog at the time.”
Policing teams in rural locations have been distributing posters highlighting the need for dogs to be under control to protect humans and other animals. Officers will also continue to conduct patrols in these areas to help combat other rural crime, including plant and farm machinery theft.”
The message is:
- Livestock worrying has many forms, not just chasing, biting, or killing - it also includes barking
- Any dog can worry livestock and cause stress to animals– No matter how well trained
- A dog in a public place must wear a collar and name tag
- Dog waste on grazing land can cause parasites to livestock resulting in expensive vet fees to farmers - so pick it up
If anyone witnesses an incident, don’t get involved or place yourself at risk.
If safe to do so, you are urged to consider taking a photograph or capture video evidence which can be passed on to police.
This Spring Devon & Cornwall Police are supporting Operation Recall - a national initiative which aims to raise awareness of the impact of livestock worrying and prevent livestock attacks. Police work alongside councils and other organisations to promote responsible dog ownership.
A report from the National Farmers’ Union released in February 2024, confirmed that dog attacks on livestock throughout the UK were estimated to cost £2.4 million last year, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year. The report stated that the South West region was the worst-hit, with attacks estimated to have cost £359,000.
PC Julian Fry, from the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Crime Team, said: “Over the coming weeks Rural Affairs Officers and local policing teams across Devon and Cornwall will be supported by Special Constables and volunteers to engage with the public and provide advice on how to reduce livestock attacks across the two counties.
“If you are walking your dog in an open space, make sure it is under effective control at all times. Dogs should not be unaccompanied outside of the home and their behaviour should always be managed – especially around livestock. We want owners to Take The Lead and prevent harm to animals.”
If you witness an attack on livestock, the message by the police is do not intervene; keep yourself safe and call 999.
Information relating to attacks on livestock that are not currently happening should be reported to the police online or by calling 101.
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