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HomeFarming NewsDog bites newborn lamb in face
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Dog bites newborn lamb in face

Police in the UK is urging members of the public to keep dogs on leads and under control near livestock.

The appeal comes following an incident near Melbourne in recent days where a new-born lamb was “bitten by a dog off a lead causing a cut to its face”.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Melbourne and Mercia Police SNT, stressed that livestock worrying is an offence with or without injury being caused.

Dog bites newborn lamb

The farmer said: “This incident was distressing for all involved, including the dog owner.”

“It is the knock-on effect for not only the sheep that is injured but the other sheep in the field, which become stressed from it, which can cause heart attacks or can even result in them to abort their pregnancy.”

Pcso Robbins visited the farm earlier this morning (Saturday, February 27th) and reported that “the lamb is now doing well”.

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Know your rights

According to the spokesperson, if a dog worries livestock on any agricultural land, the owner of the dog. If it is in the charge of a person other than its owner, that person also, shall be guilty of an offence under this act.

2) For the purposes of this act worrying livestock means—

  1. A) Attacking livestock, or;
  2. B) Chasing livestock in such a way as may reasonably be expected to cause injury or suffering to the livestock or, in the case of females, abortion, or loss of or diminution in their produce;
  3. C) Being at large (that is to say not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.
police, dogs
Image credit: Melbourne and Mercia Police SNT on Facebook
Ewe ‘professionally butchered’ in field

Meanwhile, Police in Scotland is investigating an incident where a ewe was “professionally butchered” in a field recently.

The illegal slaughtering occurred in Stewarton between on Saturday, February 6th and Tuesday, February 9th.

According to police, the Texel ewe weighed 70kgs and was worth approximately £250.

NFU also issued a brief statement following the illegal slaughtering.

Its regional chairman, Colin Mair, said. “This is barbaric. To do this would need at least two or three people.”

“There is absolutely no excuse for this act under any circumstances. I would hope that the farming community and public will assist the police in any way they can.”

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