Police warn dog owners over sheep worrying
POLICE have warned dog owners that sheep worrying is a criminal offence.
As we come into lambing season, the Police would like to remind people to keep their dogs under
control around farm animals. Dogs worrying sheep is a concern for all farmers but never more so
than at this time of year when the flocks are heavily pregnant with lambs.
Operation Recall is the national police operation to encourage dog owners to be responsible
around all livestock. Livestock worrying is defined as attacking or chasing any farm animal. There
does not have to be any contact.
If your dog worries livestock, you can be prosecuted, fined and ordered to pay compensation. A
landowner is also entitled to shoot your dog if it is worrying their animals. Police Officers have seen
first-hand the devastation and impact sheep worrying can have.
The message is simple: Don’t risk it. Keep your dog on a lead.
