Dog owner comes forward to pay fine after lamb killed in Dorset

A lamb has been killed by a dog after a sheep worrying incident at a Dorset farm.

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said the incident of sheep worrying had taken place at a farm in Sturminster Newton on March 29.

As a result of the incident, a lamb was sadly killed by a dog.

Shortly after the incident, the owner of the dog came forward to provide an account, according to officers.

The owner had then agreed to pay the farmer £300 out of court to cover the loss sustained as compensation.

Rural crime officers said the dog owner had done the right thing by coming forward on this occasion.

Cases of sheep worrying carry a fine of up to £1,000 in some instances and owners have been reminded to keep dogs on a lead due to the value of sheep to farm businesses.

Any harm to sheep can harm a farmer's livelihood, Dorset Police Rural Crime Team warned.

READ MORE: Livestock worrying incident in Derbyshire leaves farmer footing bill just under £2,000

Take the Lead

You can support Farmers Guardian's Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.

We can provide you with free signs to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.

To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.

We will be able to send up to 25 signs.

Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at [email protected].

READ MORE: Sheep put to sleep following 'out of control' dog attack at Cheshire farm