Derbyshire Constabulary is supporting a national campaign urging dog walkers to keep their pets safe and under control around livestock.
Operation Recall took place over the Easter bank holiday weekend with the key message of: Protect your dog. Protect livestock.
Derbyshire is known for its plentiful countryside to walk in and enjoy, but a statement from the county police force said that, despiute this, countryside is also a workplace for many and home to thousands of sheep, cows and other livestock.
It added that a dog chasing or attacking livestock is a crime and can cause emotional and financial damage for both farmer and the dog’s owner.
Gaby is a farmer, whilst Caroline is a dog owner. Both were spoken to by Police Force officials about why dog owners should keep their dogs under close control whilst out and about.
Gaby said: “It can actually cause people to choose to leave farming altogether, after a serious dog attack. The stress can be that much financially, and emotionally, that people choose not to do it anymore.
“You don’t always find out about an attack initially, so you might go to check on your animals and find out that one of them has been injured or killed, and that is the most horrendous thing to come across.”
Caroline’s advice for dog owners: “Make sure you’re present with your dog while you’re walking.
“You might have taken a great picture, but you don’t need to upload it to your social media at that point. Watch your dog and know its body language to check if it’s about to do something it shouldn’t.
“Yes, nine times out of ten your dog is well trained, and it won’t [chase sheep]. But can you guarantee 100% that it won’t? And could you deal with the trauma of your animal injuring another animal, and potentially being injured itself or having restrictions.”
PC Emma Swales, from the Rural Crime Team said: “Livestock worrying is a crime and the consequences can range from Restorative Justice including dog control orders, a fine to cover the farmers losses which could go into the thousands, and/or a court summons.
“We’re now in lambing season, and so it’s especially important to make sure that you have your dog under close control around livestock.
“No one wants to think that their dog can hurt other animals, but we do see cases of family pets going back to their predator instincts and chasing livestock when given the opportunity. Don’t take that chance.”
Naturewatch Foundation has worked alongside police and the RSPCA to run a public-focused pledge whereby the public are encouraged to pledge to a few simple prevention tips to protect their dogs and protect livestock.
Any responsible dog owner wishing to sign the Operation Recall pledge can do so via the Naturewatch website.
Geoff Edmond, national wildlife coordinator at the RSPCA, said: "No one wants to see animals suffer and whilst the vast majority of dog owners take care as a matter of course, sadly accidents can happen and even the most docile and obedient dogs can get distracted and excited by grazing animals.
“By listening to the advice and getting behind Operation Recall the public can end such unnecessary incidents. Some actions in life we can't avoid. This one we can.”
For more information on Operation Recall, visit the information page.