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Husky Shot Dead By Farmer After Killing Sheep In Field

Husky Shot Dead By Farmer After Killing Sheep In Field

Farmers can legally kill pet dogs if they harm or 'worry' their sheep

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

WARNING: This article contains graphic images

Police have released graphic photos of a dog that was shot dead while on a 'killing rampage'.

The shocking images show sheep that were killed by a loose husky, and were shared in the hope of encouraging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads during lambing season.

The upsetting images show the dead pet husky, on the ground with its tongue hanging out, next to a small, blood-stained lamb that had been mauled to death.

SWNS

Other photos also showed further damage that the dog had caused. At least two other adult sheep were dead and covered in blood, while wool can be seen strewn across the field.

It happened in the Cotswolds after a dog owner decided to let their husky off its lead in the farmer's field.

Gloucestershire Constabulary's rural crime team shared the distressing photos on their Twitter account to remind the public that 'livestock worrying' is against the law.

They wrote: "Is this upsetting and offensive? Probably, but this is what happened. The Husky was unfortunately shot whilst on a killing rampage.

"Keep dogs on a lead, it's lambing season."

SWNS

Under the Animals Act 1971, a farmer or person responsible for caring for livestock is entitled to act in their protection by killing or injuring a dog that has 'worried' the livestock.

There must be no other reasonable means of ending the 'worrying' - and the killing or injuring of the dog must be reported to police within 48 hours.

A survey by the RSPCA found that 24 percent of dog owners had seen their pets chase livestock - and 37 percent of those people didn't see it as a problem.

The charity writes: "If your dog worries livestock you may end up being sued for compensation and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.

"As a last resort, a farmer is legally allowed to shoot a dog who is threatening their animals."

SWNS

Cheshire Police highlighted that sheep worrying is a serious offence after a sheep was mauled in in Gawsworth, Macclesfield at the end of last year.

Sergeant Rob Simpson, from the Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team, said: "The term, worrying livestock, does the severity of the offence no favours.

"Essentially no harm or death has to occur to any of the livestock, as your dog simply chasing them is enough. Any time a dog is left unattended is simply not acceptable; it is so important that you make every effort to prevent this.

"No farmer likes the prospect of shooting a dog, let alone actually doing it. Many are dog owners themselves, but it's written into law that they can protect their livestock.

"There is only one person who can prevent this kind of incident from happening - the dog's owner."

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: UK News