Trouble dogs 'could be shot', Teesdale Mercury

Trouble dogs 'could be shot'

Jul 19, 2005

DOG owners have been warned that their pets could end up being shot if they are not kept under control after two dogs savaged a sheep and another dog in Barnard Castle.

Barnard Castle Police are urging walkers to keep their dogs in check following the incidents near the Demesnes on the afternoon of Thursday, July 14.

The first incident occurred when a dog attacked another dog on the Demesnes resulting in a five inch cut and £150-worth of vet's bills.

And later that day, a ewe belonging to Willie Wilkinson of Mains House Farm was injured by a second dog belonging to the same person.

"Somebody called the police to say a dog had attacked one of my sheep," he said. "It's a regular occurrence at this time of year. If ewes are attacked they can’t feed their young ones and it's often the young ones that are attacked."

Acting Sergeant Peter Moore has reminded dog owners that farmers are legally permitted to shoot animals that bother their sheep. "Farmers can shoot any dogs that are let off their leads on farm land, which look as if they are worrying their sheep," he said. "If incidents like this occur people are likely to have their dogs killed."

Police will not be taking any further action but have warned the dog owner that prosecution is likely if the incident occurs again.