This week officers have concluded an investigation into a livestock worrying incident in Ninham, Isle of Wight, which led to the death of a sheep.
On the afternoon of 14th March this year, a dog off a lead chased sheep which were grazing in a field, before it bit and killed one.
Police issue community resolution
A few days later, the dog owner visited the shepherd to apologise and offered to pay for the loss.
Following a review of the evidence obtained by the Country Watch team, and in consultation with the victim in this case, the dog owner has been spoken to by police and dealt with by means of community resolution.
Compensation paid to shepherd
Under the conditions of the community resolution, the dog owner – a 53-year-old woman from Sandown – has paid £300 compensation to the shepherd.
What is a community resolution?
For those who aren’t familiar with community resolutions – these are out of court disposals, meaning that criminal offences can be dealt with following an admission of guilt by a suspect, without pursuing criminal charges or a prosecution through court.
They are issued on a case by case basis, factoring in the full circumstances based on the evidence, and most importantly in line with the wishes of the victim.
Williams: Small minority of reckless dog owners who put welfare of other animals at risk
Police Staff Investigator Andrew Williams, from the Country Watch team, said,
“The majority of dog owners are responsible, but unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.
“It is so important to keep dogs either on leads or under close control, particularly around livestock.
“If you are walking your dog in a field and there is no livestock, please keep the dog in sight at all times, be aware of what it is doing, and be confident it will return to you promptly on command. If you cannot be confident of this, the dog should not be off the lead.
“Ensure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.”
Criminal offence
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock.
We want owners to be aware that in such instances, the owner or person in control of the dog can be prosecuted, and the dog can be shot by the farmer to end an attack.
Dedicated Country Watch team
Police have a dedicated Country Watch team who deal with these types of offences across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight.
We encourage anyone who has been affected by rural crime such as livestock worrying to report this to us on 101, or by using the report tool online.
Dial 999 if a crime is in progress.
News shared by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, in their own words. Ed
Image: judith prins under CC BY 2.0
