Star comment: Dogs must always be controlled
It would have been heartbreaking for Catherine and Robert Humphreys to have found two dead lambs on their south Shropshire farm.
The terrified creatures were chased to death by dogs, succumbing to exhaustion after fleeing for their lives.
They were among others that were injured or debilitated by inexcusable torment while they ought to have been safe in their field.
Mr and Mrs Humphreys believe the incident is the tip of the iceberg as dog owners become increasingly unaware of the Country Code and take less and less responsibility for their animals. And they want people to start respecting the countryside more so that other animals do not suffer the same fate.
The lambs in question were from of a rare breed and their death caused considerable trauma to other members of their flock. We can but imagine the fear the little animals would have experienced before they died.
Elsewhere in the country a small child was seriously injured after being savaged in the North West; while the circumstances are not yet fully clear in that case, it serves as a reminder of the need for dog owners to exercise full control over their animals at all times.
As summer approaches and more and more people take to the great outdoors, it is increasingly important that animals are kept on the leash. While accidents can happen in all walks of life, those that are preventable ought by their very nature to be limited.
Pet owners have a number of duties and responsibilities. They must not only make sure their animals’ needs are met with food, drink, shelter and, in addition to appropriate medical care. They must also make sure that their animals do not become a nuisance or cause harm and distress to others.
Careful training, responsible ownership and an understanding of animals’ natural instincts ought to be factored into consideration at every twist and turn.
Dogs can bring immense pleasure and also provide assistance to those with special needs. However, when irresponsible owners fail to provide adequate care, they can cause havoc.
The Animals Act of 1971, Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 and other laws seek to prevent episodes of bad behaviour and aggression.
There are no excuses for people walking in Shropshire countryside to let their animals savage livestock belonging to farmers. Animals should be identifiable and under control at all times, without fail.
