Agricultural land ban for man who repeatedly allowed dogs to chase sheep

A man who admitted repeatedly letting his dogs chase and injure sheep, causing several deaths, has been banned from walking dogs anywhere near livestock for seven years.

On March 16 this year, Northamptonshire Police received a 999 report from a farmer explaining two dogs had just chased and injured two of their heavily pregnant sheep in a field near Preston Capes.

An investigation by the Force’s Rural Crime Team identified that these dogs were linked to other incidents where sheep had been attacked, including one on December 12, 2024, and another on February 20 this year. All involved ewes or lambs being distressed, injured or dying.

As a result, a man was charged with five counts of being the owner of a dog worrying livestock.

You can read the full news article here.

Report livestock worrying by calling 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency, such as when a dog is worrying livestock and cannot be stopped, call 999.

Farmers can legally shoot a dog worrying livestock, but only as a last resort when the dog poses an immediate and direct threat and there are no other reasonable means to stop the attack.

Anyone who shoots a dog to prevent livestock worrying must notify the police within 48 hours.

Tips for safe and responsible dog walking around livestock:

For more information on the Countryside Code visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code