Farmer fury at 'horrific' sheep attacks

A careworn sheep farmer has given thoughtless dog owners a severe warning after several pregnant ewes have received horrific bites in random attacks.

Darren Hough, who farms 265 acres of land on imposing Wharmton overlooking Greenfield, took to social media to air his frustration.

He posted: “Right people, enough is enough, I've got more sheep with dog bites to the face and legs than ever before.

“I  am sick of asking people to put the dogs on leads.

"I'm very busy in the lambing shed and haven't time to keep chasing after idiots with dogs running loose around my sheep.

“So you are forcing me to shoot your beloved pets because you think you can do as you like.

"You have been warned: loose dogs on Wharmton will be shot, please take the warning.”

Speaking today at his homestead, Mr Hough said: “One of the ewes us in a very sad state.

"She has been bitten all over her shoulders and stomach.

“These are truly horrific injuries.

"I just can’t understand why dog owners let their pets off leads when they are near livestock.

"Despite the coronavirus, there seems to be more people then ever before on the hills.

"They climb over walls and roam all over the place.”

And his warning was supported by locals who expressed disgust at the attacks.  

One post said: "The countryside is a workplace, not a theme park.

"My guess is until a dog is shot many owners will not put their dog on a lead.”

Another said: “ Feel sorry for the farmer.

"I think it should be compulsory for all dogs to be on leads.

"You just can’t educate some people.”

And, as a counterpoint, another dog owner posted: “We walked our dog up Wharmton last week.

"Watching the lambs and sheep was a great sight while keeping the dog on a lead and out of the fields.” 

The NFU Mutual agent, Matthew Gummerson, said : “These are very challenging times indeed.

“It is against the law to allow a dog to worry livestock.

"The farmer does have the right to protect their livestock and in some cases shoot the offending animal.

“Clearly, we want dog owners owner to follow the simple rule of keeping their dogs on a lead when anywhere near livestock.

“This is a critical time of year as most sheep farmers will be lambing and just having the pregnant ewes chased can in some cases cause them to about their unborn lambs.

"Never mind the deaths caused by actual attacks.”

He added: "Please can we respect the countryside and use it responsibly - keep your dog on a lead.”

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