Police ask dog owners to get their dogs working with farmers

Trained dogs are a boon for farmers. Not only do they help minimize losses, but they also provide peace of mind.

These canines are adept at keeping predators at bay and can easily detect danger from afar with their keen sense of smell. What’s more, their mere presence is enough to deter ill-meaning animals from venturing onto the farm.

Well-trained dogs have a unique ability to detect when livestock is in distress and notify the grower. They are intuitive creatures with a keen sense of judgment and can give cues when they sense something is amiss.

However, certain dogs can pose a significant threat to farmers and their livestock. An untrained dog that is allowed to roam freely can harm and distress the farmer's livestock, leading to sudden and devastating losses.

Given this, law enforcement officials urge dog owners to take responsibility for their pets and ensure that they are properly trained and managed to ensure the safety of farmers and their livestock.

During this time of the year, many farmers release mother sheep and their lambs to graze in the fields. However, the danger of roaming dogs attacking these innocent animals is a constant concern for farmers.

According to the Protection of Livestock Law (1985), it is a criminal offense to allow dogs to wander and attack livestock.

This means that if a dog causes distress to any livestock, it is a punishable offense under the law, and the landowner has the right to seize or even kill such dogs. If a dog is seized, the owner would have to pay a bail of £1,000 before it can be released.

A police spokesman said, "Dog owners should be cautious and vigilant when walking their dogs around livestock, and make sure to keep the path that was designated.

"The injuries that sheep nurse from dog attacks can be avoided. These attacks put the sheep at the risk of losing their unborn lambs and can also render the young lambs motherless, considering the distress that farmers go through witnessing the attacks." 

"If anyone is found causing distress with their dogs or allowing their dogs to roam unnecessarily, call us and report them. You can share the description information of the dog and its owner."

Here are some general tips for training your dogs to help farmers:

1. Start Training Your Dog Early: The best time to start training your dog is in its early stages as a puppy. Puppies are often eager to learn and adapt quickly to new challenges.
2. Be Consistent With Your Training On Your Dog: Use the same command for the same behavior, and give rewards for obeying your commands. This will make your dog more eager to follow your commands.
3. Be Patient With Your Dog: Training takes time. You shouldn't get angry when your dog makes mistakes. Stay calm and repeat the process until your dog gets it right.

Getting your furry friend involved

Trained dogs are valuable assets to farmers, offering protection and early warning of potential threats. Untrained dogs pose a risk to farmers and livestock.

Dog owners must ensure their pets are trained and supervised as per the law, especially during grazing season. By being responsible and following proper training techniques, we can safeguard our furry companions and farmers' livelihoods.