Dogsey

Well this question of farmers and their livestock and dogs keeps on coming up for discussion on here.

My views are that ALL should abide by the relevant laws. Dog owners should abide by the laws relating to keeping their dogs under control. Farmers should abide by whatever laws are in place relating to what measures they can and should take to keep their livestock safe.

If the law isn't covering it to anyone's satisfaction - they should be campaigning to get the laws changed.

Very long discussion on the subject here:
Farmers - should they be allowed to kill your dog?

I am aware that there was a long discussion on Dogsey, but these two news articles have just been posted in the media, not on Dogsey.

I think as I believe I said on that thread people should keep their dogs on leads around sheep and any other animals. If you love your dog just keep it on a lead it may save it's life. And as an animal lover you should be aware that sheep are living creatures too and need to be protected from our predators.

Agree Julie and I too expressed just about everything I've got to say on that long thread too. No point in repeating it here just because some other dog related site has an article on the subject. The subject is regularly discussed with regard to whether farmers should be allowed to shoot dogs who worry livestock. And it is repeated over and over that damage can be done without the dog PHYSICALLY ATTACKING the livestock. The law is quite clear on the subject.

Thanks for posting Malka. I'd love to know more about the attacks (how serious they are etc) - the numbers seem high.

Just out of curiosity Tang, since when is a UK newspaper reporting a National Trust statement, and the BBC Online News, "dog related sites"?

Oh for gawds sake lets not turn this into another spat. I'm getting fed up with it.
As heart broken as I would be if a dog of mine was shot, my sympathies would lie with the farmer. It is my responsibility to control my dog.

Agree Nippy, we are responsible for what our dogs do sadly some people are not so careful.