Dog owner fined after rottweiler attacks sheep

DOG owners on Torridgeside are being warned to keep their dogs under control after one owner was fined �750 with �60 costs for letting his Rottweiler run freely in a field of sheep. The dog, owned by David Ginns, of High Bickington, was put down after 13

DOG owners on Torridgeside are being warned to keep their dogs under control after one owner was fined �750 with �60 costs for letting his Rottweiler run freely in a field of sheep.

The dog, owned by David Ginns, of High Bickington, was put down after 13 sheep were killed.

Mr Ginns, who accepted liability, also received a Control Order in respect of another dog he owns, which must be kept under proper control and always on a lead when away from its home.

The prosecution was brought following a joint operation between Torridge District Council's animal welfare officer Carl Caswell and police officers from Torrington's Neighbourhood Beat Team.

PC Dick Rowlands, who led the investigation, said: "We would like to remind all dog owners that allowing a dog to worry, chase, injure or kill sheep is an offence that has a very real and emotional effect on farmers who raise these animals and find them in a state of horrible suffering or traumatic deaths.

"Dog owner should bear in mind that if a dog is seen to be worrying stock then a farmer is perfectly within his rights to shoot that dog and the [police will seek a prosecution.

Sheep owner Charlie Metherell said: "I lost 13 sheep in all, so I can't praise PC Rowlands and Carl Caswell enough. Their support was fantastic and I hope the case highlights the responsibility of dog owners to keep their dogs under control.