Owners warned to keep animals under control

POLICE have urged dog owners to keep pets on a leash near livestock following the attack on a flock of sheep at Trout Dale Farm.

The incident follows numerous other reports of dogs terrifying animals across the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Farmer Brian Warrington lost 40 sheep grazing on land off Apesford Lane, Bradnop, in three attacks in April, June and November 2008. A further 20 sheep were injured.

He was saddened to hear killer dogs had struck again – and fears it may be a child next time.

He said: "It is terrible when your animals are savaged. The cruelty of it makes you feel awful and it has to be stopped. There is always a constant worry.

"My concern is that dogs will next turn on a child or anyone else who gets in their way."

Alan Dickinson, group secretary for the National Farmers Union Leek branch, reminded dog owners they must keep their pets on leads as stated in the countryside code.

Mr Dickinson said: "It is important for dog owners to realise their dogs can scare or harm farm animals.

"The NFU has plastic-coated signs placed around the area advising people of the countryside code. I would strongly advise walkers not to ignore these recommendations."

PCSO Paul Flowers attended the attacks at Blackshaw Moor and Bradnop. He said any dog could turn nasty.

PCSO Flowers said: "The message I continually get out to the public is that any sizeable dog could be a sheep killer.

"I cannot recall the number of times dog owners have told me their dog was friendly and never showed aggression towards anyone. However they very often become different animals among a flock of sheep or chickens.

"If you are a dog owner or you have someone's dogs in your control you are responsible for its actions and could have to pay many thousands of pounds in compensation."