Farmers will shoot any dogs worrying flocks

From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Feb 2006.

Two farmers have pledged to shoot on sight dogs caught worrying their sheep.

Clive Smith and James Lawn said they would not hesitate to exercise their right to kill dogs seen harassing livestock on their land in Cullingworth.

The warning follows an attack on a dog walker's pet by two Japanese Akita dogs close to Mr Smith's land near Hewenden viaduct.

Police said after the incident on Tuesday just before 5pm the unaccompanied dogs were seen threatening Mr Smith's sheep.

Both farmers have seen dogs allowed to roam free attack their animals. At Easter four of Mr Smith's sheep were killed by a dog, while in summer one of Mr Lawn's cows was attacked and wounded by a rottweiler.

"If a dog was worrying my livestock on my land they would be shot. It's within my rights as an owner to do that," said Mr Lawn, who runs East Manywells Farm.

"In the incident with the milking cow a couple let their rottweiler off and I came across it biting it on its nose. It made a right mess. If I'd have had a gun I would have shot the dog."

Mr Lawn, a member of Cullingworth Parish Council, said he was also worried about children using the nearby Great Northern Trail encountering vicious dogs off the leash.

Mr Smith, who farms part-time, last year campaigned against owners who allow their dogs off the leash following the savaging of his sheep.

"I put notices up showing the dead sheep, imploring people to take notice of what can happen.

"I would ask for the animals which went near my sheep and attacked that lady's dog to be put down. They have a taste for it now and could go for other animals."

Councillor Bryan Hobson, chairman of Cullingworth Parish Council, called on the owners to take responsibility for their animals' actions.

"I understand the owner of the dog that was attacked by these Akitas had to take her pet to the vets. In my opinion the owners of the dogs should pay her veterinary fees as they caused the injuries."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed that landowners could kill dogs caught worrying livestock.

He said: "We have spoken to the dog owner who made a complaint and will be taking a formal statement. We are conducting further enquiries into the incident and have notified the RSPCA and the local authority dog warden service."

He appealed for anyone with information about the incident to call (01274) 361122.

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