Reminder: Festive Dog Walking

Increased Dog walking during festive period: extra care needed.

All people walking dogs are being reminded that they must have control over their dogs when they are walking in the countryside over the festive period. Especially if walking a friend's or family member's dog, or when there are others out with dogs with which they are not totally familiar.

Despite the usual advice given to keep dogs on leads – over the past month, 25 sheep have been killed in four separate incidents and three dogs have been shot as a result of unpleasant attacks.

Officers from Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team are urging dog owners, whether they know their rural environment well or not, to keep dogs on a lead to prevent more livestock deaths – especially if you are in unfamiliar territory.

PC Jim Clark said:
"It's better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your dog. This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog's actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.
I'd simply urge owners – no matter how reliable you think your dogs are – keep dogs on a lead near livestock.We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit."

Further information on how to keep you, your pet and farm animals safe can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

WeLoveTattenhall