| Dog owners urged to keep control of their pets
Countrywatch officers are urging dog owners to ensure they keep their pets under control. The message follows an incident in North Lane, Clanfield on the morning of Thursday, January 31 where a flock of sheep were chased by a dog. One of the sheep, which is pregnant, suffered a bite wound to her face. It is unknown whether she will survive. PC Elaine Skittlethorpe said: “This incident should act as a stark reminder as to why there is legislation in place outlining that dog owners must keep their animal under close control. “Even the most well behaved dog can revert to instinct when near livestock potentially causing distress, injury and loss of life. “If a dog worries livestock, the dog owner or the person responsible for the dog at the time is guilty of an offence under the Dogs Act 1953 and may be sued for compensation by the farmer. “Land owners have the right, as a last resort, to shoot any dog worrying their livestock – so these owners are also putting their beloved pet at unnecessary risk. “These types of incidents are distressing to both the animals and the farmer with loss of livestock and income. “We by no means want to stop dog walkers from enjoying the beautiful countryside our county has to offer but we do want to remind them of their responsibility to keep their pet under control when out and about.” | 
