Fury after more sheep are attacked (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Fury after more sheep are attacked
7:40am Thursday 12th April 2012 in Grange-over-Sands news
By Emma Lidiard
FARMERS in South Lakeland and Eden have blasted dog owners for not keeping their pets under control following a series of lamb and sheep attacks.
Fourteen lambs were killed during a ‘vicious’ attack by a dog in Grange-over-Sands. And more sheep and lambs were wounded during the incident at High Farm, near Eggerslack Woods, on Thursday and Friday.
Farmer James Whitton said he was ‘disgusted’ by the attack. He is calling for new laws which would see dog owners having to get a licence.
“Farmers have to go through all sorts of paperwork to keep animals but anyone can get a big dog that runs around and kills,” said Mr Whitton. “This incident cost nearly £2,000 in vet bills and losses but I’m not worried about the money, I’m more worried about the sheep that have been ruined.”
Last month David Clarke lost 20 lambs in two attacks at his farm at Underbarrow. An additional 18 lambs had to be treated for serious bites, three of which subsequently died.
In another dog worrying incident two Swaledale ewes had to be put down at a farm near Upper Eden Rugby Club, in Kirkby Stephen, between Saturday and Monday (April 7 and 9). Both ewes had lambs which were not injured.
Two more ewes were attacked between March 18 to 22 at another farm in Kirkby Stephen with only one of the ewes surviving.
Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, said he was alarmed at the level of incidents. “Sheep worrying is slightly worst in spring as there are more ewes and lambs in the field,” said Mr Stocker. “But it is a year-long problem which certainly does not go away. It is a problem that is occurring more and more.”
Chairman of Cumbria NFU Alan Dickson, based in Penrith, said he was concerned by the growing trend.
“It’s distressing for the farmer and their animals,” he said. “The farmer is within their rights to shoot the dog if they find it worrying their sheep. So it is a sad story all round. Owners need to make sure they know where their dog is and that it is under control.”
A Cumbria Police spokesperson warned people that owners of dogs not on a lead or under control could be prosecuted. He said: “We have been told that some people park up in the woods (in Grange) and let their dogs run around while the owner stays in the vehicle. This is not having the dog under control and the owner will be dealt with accordingly.”
Anyone with information about the incidents should call 101 and ask for Ulverston police.
Comments(13)
magical trevor
says...
9:27am Thu 12 Apr 12
walker2012
says...
3:08pm Thu 12 Apr 12
magical trevor
says...
4:07pm Thu 12 Apr 12
Moonbase
says...
9:35am Fri 13 Apr 12
walker2012 wrote:I keep saying that to the wife......pent up energy, kept on a lead and all that,does'nt work though.
Why do non dog owners always have to say dogs should be keep on a lead at all times??? Yes they should always be on a lead in busy areas and around livestock, but keeping dogs on leads at all times is a never a good idea. They need exercise and to run around freely. Without the ability to excercise the dogs will naturally become more aggressive due to all the pent up energy. How would humans like to be keep on a lead and never allowed to execise?!? All that is needed is a little bit of common sense with regards to your surroundings.
walker2012
says...
4:32pm Fri 13 Apr 12
Moonbase wrote:Thank moonbase, i'm sick of non dog owners tarring all dog owners with the same brush. I'm a responisble dog owner, clean up after my dog and only let him off the lead if safe to do so. He is well behaved and no-one else ever has to 'deal with him'. And only the most heartless of people would think of just 'getting rid of it'.
walker2012 wrote:I keep saying that to the wife......pent up energy, kept on a lead and all that,does'nt work though.
Why do non dog owners always have to say dogs should be keep on a lead at all times??? Yes they should always be on a lead in busy areas and around livestock, but keeping dogs on leads at all times is a never a good idea. They need exercise and to run around freely. Without the ability to excercise the dogs will naturally become more aggressive due to all the pent up energy. How would humans like to be keep on a lead and never allowed to execise?!? All that is needed is a little bit of common sense with regards to your surroundings.
Happylass100
says...
11:17pm Fri 13 Apr 12
Pringle1982
says...
1:33pm Sat 14 Apr 12
Maybe if people who are scared of dogs should stay away from places where they know dogs will be. How about that?
Dog owners are constantly targeted as all being mis-guided, irresponsible, idiotic people; when in fact most of us are responsible, not mis-guided and far from idiots, and have well behaved dogs to boot. Do not tar us all with the same brush, it's not fair.
You were obviously bitten as a child or something to have such a view of all dog owners. And stop being such a nasty person, it's pathetic.
This is the part I like the most ".they are random creatures that will take random actions if they are startled, excited or angered. " Like most people then, except that as the "more intelligent" species we should know better.
I don't like kids, why should I have to put up with other people's kids making a racket outside my front door or being rude or deliberately running in front of my car? Maybe they should all be tied up on a lead as well.
searcher21c
says...
6:59pm Sat 14 Apr 12
It is a serious one and does not cover a similar incident near my home where a ewe and at least two lambs were killed by an unknown dog/creature overnight. So there may be more.
We are only talking about dogs off the leash and out of control. As someone has pointed out, "out of control" can happen very quickly.
All owners should keep their dogs under control at all times. If there is any doubt, the dog should be on a lead.
fred_scuttle
says...
1:50am Mon 16 Apr 12
...
Ohh, are these the same dogs that also bag up their excrement and then leave the bags knotted for prosperity in the car park for everyone elso to enjoy?? - we just love dog owners don't we..!!
If you 'own' a dog.... at least be responsible.... I for one am fed up with finding these little plastic bags of non-biodegradable cr*p on the walks I go on every week because dog owners want to 'appear' as though they are being responsible but the reality of the situation is that they throw the bag of dog sh*t before they get into their nice clean car and the rest of us have to look at it for the forseeable future......
It aint rocket science though is it dog owners.... if you're not going to bag it and bin it just leave it on the path.... otherwise by bagging it you can extend the life of said poo by at least 3 years in your nice plastic guilt free bag... GROW UP GEEEZZZZZ!!!!
minty73
says...
12:22pm Mon 16 Apr 12
Many dog owners are careful and responsible owners, however, there are also many more people who like the idea of owning a dog but have no idea how to look after a dog and what responsibility comes with it.
Dog owners...please ask yourself this...would you think this behaviour would be acceptable in your garden or street...
magical trevor
says...
4:18pm Mon 16 Apr 12
ty is built around humans...not dogs. If there is a problem with dogs causing safety and health issues it should be addressed. Kids playing outside your house is a social issue that you should deal with differently.
The poorly educated and inconsiderate dog owners who let their dogs roam free and foul everwhere are unfortunately the ones that cause the problems. Those that look after their pets, keep them under control and clean up after them are, quite rightly, invisible to us non-dog owners. I'm not going to avoid areas where I know dogs will be. Thank you for that wonderfully bright idea. I have a social right to frequent these places....dogs have no rights in society beyond the rights of their welfare. Once again...another angelic dog owner chooses to tell us all how responsible he\she is with regards to their dog. Thank you....but we don't need to hear it. Do you want a medal for behaving as you are legally bound to behave?
You have no ideas what my motivations are towards dogs...so don't assume, it's a pointless exercise!
Dogs are random animals Pringle1982. You never know what they will do next....no matter how well you think you've trained your animal, it always has the power to surprise or shock you.....always. That's why dogs need to be kept on a lead when in areas where there are cyclists, children or just other people trying to enjoy a walk for example.
Your argument about the children playing outside your house is just plain silly when you look at it really! Good luck with that!
tictoc1
says...
8:34am Tue 17 Apr 12
Pringle1982 says...
8:12am Thu 12 Apr 12
I own four dogs and I would NEVER let them off a lead anywhere in the lakes because you are bound to come across a sheep sooner rather than later. In fact there are only a couple of places I'd let them off because I am 100% sure there are no sheep (8 years walking in the same field, never been a sheep in sight!)
I agree that licences would be a great idea, I also think microchipping should be compulsory so any stray dog can be reunited with owner and repeat offenders can be fined or prosecuted.
Farmers are trying to make a living while irresponsible owners make it even tougher for them than it has to be. Very sad situation for those who have lost livestock.