Police warning after sheep killed by dogs in Boncath area (From Western Telegraph)

Police warning after sheep killed by dogs in Boncath area

4:37pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News

Dyfed-Powys Police is urging dog owners to keep their animals under proper control after several incidents of dogs killing or worrying sheep.

Fifteen sheep have been killed and many more worried by dogs in the Boncath area recently.

The law allows farmers who believe their livestock are being worried to shoot the dogs that are upsetting their animals, in order to protect their livestock.

It is illegal, under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act for dogs to worry livestock and they should not be allowed in the same field as sheep where they can worry a flock. This is especially important at this time of year during the lambing season as it can cause the sheep to abort.

This is distressing for the livestock and farmers that own them.

Sergeant Aled Davies, at Crymych Police station said: "Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets under proper control and to supervise them at all times.

"If dogs are on land worrying livestock then land owners are perfectly within the law and within their rights to destroy the dogs, in order to protect their livestock.”