Nine dogs shot by landowners for sheep worrying, new figures from West Mercia Police reveal
Landowners across the police force covering Shropshire have shot nine dogs for worrying their livestock in the last five years, figures have revealed.
The figures for the West Mercia Police area show no dogs were shot in 2010, one was shot in 2011, three in 2012, one in 2013, two in 2014, and two last year.
It comes as national figures show more than 300 dogs were shot by landowners in England and Wales in the last five years.
The figures were revealed in a Freedom of Information request by the BBC.
Police say it is an offence for a dog owner and anyone controlling the dog to allow it to worry livestock on agricultural land.
The law allows for the shooting of dogs if they pose a threat to animals but police must be informed within 48 hours.
Last month it was revealed dog attacks on sheep are on the increase in the countryside across Shropshire.
Between 20 and 25 dog attacks are believed to have taken place on the Long Mynd overlooking Church Stretton in the past year. The rise in attacks has led to dog owners being warned to keep pets under strict control in the countryside.
Peter Carty, National Trust countryside, parks and gardens manager for south Shropshire, has issued a plea for dog owners to be aware and responsible in the face of increasing numbers of attacks in the area. The area is one of the county's most popular walking spots and much of it is owned and managed by the trust.
Mr Carty said it was especially important at this time of year as lambing season is under way. As well as young lambs being vulnerable, pregnant ewes could miscarry simply from the stress of being chased, he added.
Superintendent David McWilliam, from West Mercia Police, said: "It is an offence for a dog owner and anyone controlling the dog to allow it to worry livestock on agricultural land. If this happens, individuals may be prosecuted or fined and ordered to pay compensation.
"Under the Animals Act 1971 a farmer, landowner or anyone acting on their behalf has a legal right to shoot your dog to protect their property. We would like to remind dog owners to please keep their dog on a lead at all times but particularly where there is livestock in the area."
