Shropshire and Mid Wales alert issued after farmers shoot dogs

Police have warned that owners of dogs that attack animals on farmland could end up in court and fined or see their pets lawfully shot.

It comes after a farmer shot three sheepdogs after he caught them worrying a flock of sheep in Gwynedd on Tuesday and another farmer shot a dog dead after it attacked his animals in Llanrwst last weekend.

In Shropshire, between 20 and 25 dog attacks have taken place on the Long Mynd in recent months.

Sheep have also been killed in Shelve, near Clun and Kington on the Mid Wales border.

The NFU has also called on police forces to investigate incidents and prosecute those that act irresponsibly.

Sergeant Rob Taylor from North Wales Police rural crime team: "Shot sheep dogs have been examined...not chipped and owner not come forward. So sad, so unnecessary."

He said the constant attacks were leaving farmers "devastated".

"Dog owners need to be aware of the consequences – either their dog is going to be lawfully shot or they'll end up in court and their dog will be put down and they'll be hit with a heavy fine," he said.

"The farmers also have to keep dealing with the devastation and it's horrific for the sheep many who end up with their faces torn off and limbs missing."

In the two years since the rural crime team was set up there have been more than 260 livestock attacks reported in North Wales and more than 1,000 sheep killed.

About 2,000 sheep worrying incidents have been reported in the past two years across the UK.

Charles Sercombe, NFU livestock board chairman, said: "Livestock worrying has a devastating impact on animal welfare and the farm businesses.

"We need to continually reiterate to the public, as part of our Love Your Countryside campaign, there is the ever-increasing need for vigilance and to take responsibility for their dogs to prevent straying and to keep them under control when walking near livestock."

"We need to be very mindful of how difficult it is to pursue a criminal case when these incidents occur as gathering evidence is notoriously difficult.

"However, I would by no means say in some cases this isn't necessary. All too often we hear about repeat cases of worrying where dog owners allow their pet to roam free around livestock – let's be clear this is wholly unacceptable and these cases must be addressed by the authorities.

"We would urge farmers to speak to their local police force if they are encountering problems and to find out what can be done to prevent cases of livestock worrying. Farmers should also explore with their local police how they gather evidence and only in the last resort should farmers considered shooting the dog."

Given the amount of public interest and the increase in cases of livestock worrying that have occurred recently, the NFU has worked hard to raise the profile among farmers and promote responsible dog ownership in an attempt to reduce these incidents, Mr Sercombe said.

"This year has seen the launch of new dog signs to remind the public to keep their dogs on a lead and there is a business guide which details to farmers what options they have when an incident occurs," he said.

"We hope these, along with the other initiatives, like the event this week will decrease this growing problem on livestock farms."