Operation Recall: police call on dog owners to help stop livestock worrying
The initiative has been launched across Hampshire
A new initiative called Operation Recall has been launched in Hampshire to tackle the issue of livestock being worried by dogs.
Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with livestock, which can result in significant injury or suffering and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved.
It also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.
Operation Recall is a collaboration between animal welfare charities, including Naturewatch Foundation and the RSPCA, alongside the police and the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU).
The project aims to raise awareness and help tackle the issue, by reminding owners to keep their dogs on leads in areas where livestock may be present.
Kate Salmon, Operation Recall lead for Naturewatch Foundation, has this advice for anyone walking in the countryside this Easter:
“There are various things people can do to take responsibility for the dogs, especially in the countryside.”
“We fully appreciate that everyone loves to see their dogs running free off of the lead, and the majority of owners walk their dogs in a responsible manner.”
“But people need to be aware that livestock can be anywhere, so ultimately, if your dog is not completely trained to the point that the recall is 100% in all circumstances, then you must ensure your dog is under control.”
“If that means that your dog has to be on a lead, then it has to be on a lead.”
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock and dog owners risk prosecution.
Kate Salmon outlined the potential sanctions for those who fail to control their dogs:
“Livestock worrying and attacks of livestock is a crime. “
“If people are found to be allowing their dogs to be out of control, or even through sheer mistakes, like their gardens not being secure, they can be prosecuted by the police.”
“That can mean going to court.”
“It can mean your dog can have an order on it, where essentially it can either be euthanized or it has to be muzzled in public.”
“Ultimately, farmers do have a defence within the legislation that they can shoot the dogs under certain circumstances.”
“So there's lots of consequences here that are completely avoidable if people just take responsibility for their dog's actions.”
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