Plea for dogs on leads in country (From Gazette Series)

Plea for dogs on leads in country

A RURAL beat officer is asking dog-owners to ensure their dogs are kept on leads at all times during lambing season.

PC George Lager, of the Cotswold and Stroud division, has warned owners that they must keep their pets restrained whenever they are near to areas with sheep.

Ewes emit a scent during the lambing season which affects the behaviour of other animals and can lead to them being attacked.

PC Lager warned: "It is absolutely essential that all dogs are kept on leads. Even usually placid and well-behaved dogs, which may not normally trouble sheep, will react to the scent and may attack".

Last week three ewes and a lamb were viciously attacked near Lypiatt Park in Stroud. The animals received life-threatening injuries. A footpath runs through the park and it is in places like this that it is absolutely essential to keep dogs on a lead.

Added PC Lager: "Dog-owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control. An attack on a pregnant sheep is not only a horrendous experience for the animal and the farmer, it can be upsetting to know that your pet could be responsible for such a vicious attack."

He also warned dog-owners that farmers were entitled to take steps to defend their animals, even shooting dogs which may be worrying flocks.