Farm Worker's Agony After Shooting Dog to Protect Sheep in Derbyshire
A Midlands farm worker has spoken out about the profound heartache he experienced after being forced to shoot a dog that was repeatedly attacking his sheep. The incident, which occurred in the High Peak area of Derbyshire, left the gamekeeper describing it as one of his "worst ever days in farming."
The Traumatic Ordeal Unfolds
On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 17, the gamekeeper was called to a hillside field following reports of a dog attacking sheep. Arriving on his quad bike, he made multiple attempts to usher the Belgian Malinois away from the livestock. He fired warning shots from his legally-owned shotgun and repeatedly expressed his reluctance to harm the animal.
The dog's owner also tried to intervene, but the pet continued to chase and attack the sheep. Faced with no other option, the gamekeeper made a last-resort decision to shoot the dog to prevent further harm to his livestock.
Emotional Impact and Farmer's Plea
The gamekeeper shared his emotional turmoil, stating, "The amount of stress this caused me in the moment and since the incident has been significant – it was probably the worst day I’ve ever experienced in farming." He emphasized that shooting the dog was heart-breaking and an absolute last resort.
He urged dog owners to understand the severe consequences of letting pets off leads near livestock. "I don’t think dog owners realise the awful position they are putting farm workers in," he said, highlighting that even chasing can cause fatal stress to sheep, especially during lambing season.
Legal Context and Operation Recall
In the UK, farmers are legally permitted to shoot dogs that are actively worrying or attacking livestock as a last resort. This is supported by the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, which criminalizes such behavior. Recent legislation has increased the maximum fine for livestock worrying from £1,000 to an unlimited amount, with police granted extra powers to detain threatening dogs.
The gamekeeper's story is part of Operation Recall, a national campaign supported by Derbyshire Constabulary's rural crime team. This initiative aims to promote responsible dog ownership in the countryside, particularly during lambing season when incidents tend to rise.
Police Warning and Community Impact
Police Constable James Hall from the Rural Crime Team commented, "We are blessed with beautiful countryside here in Derbyshire and we want everyone to enjoy it responsibly." He stressed the importance of keeping dogs under control to prevent similar tragedies, noting that family pets can revert to predator instincts.
This incident underscores the emotional and financial damage caused by livestock worrying, affecting both farmers and pet owners. The campaign hopes to raise awareness and prevent future occurrences through education and vigilance.
