Dog Signs

[Highland Mule]

Don't always believe what a policeman says, it's not unknown for Police Officers to be found guilty of breaking the law with regard to shooting "suspects" or very often in methods of prisoner restraint.


After six pages we have moved on from "l am allowed to shoot a dog if it's loose in with sheep" to "expect to end up in Court if you shoot a dog, whatever the circumstances"

I’ve satisfied myself by reading the relevant legislation, the NSA website and other places thanks. And my position hasn’t changed from my first post either.

 

[Dry Rot]

I have shot dogs in the past on my own land and neighbours land at their request, I have been called as a witness in a court trial over one of them I have involved the police and dog warden in most of the instances. Having taken instruction from my PSNI firearms officer and the council dog warden this has been my instructions.

If dog attacking livestock try to stop dog by shouting or waving arms to discourage dog.
If dog is aggressive or vicious do not approach.
Look to see if owner present to restrain dog.
If dog is harming livestock and other means have been tried and it is deemed safe to discharge a firearm and you have a suitable firearm and level of proficiency, or can get someone who has, shoot dog.
If it is not possible to take a shot phone police and alert dog warden. Film and gather as much evidence as possible.
ALL cases of livestock worrying and ALL dogs shot are to be reported to the council dog warden and the police.

When I have shot dogs in the past the dog warden comes to collect the remains NEVER give them back to the owner, the dog warden will return them to the owner when he and the police are satisfied. The police will call you and may call out to see you and for you to show them where the incident took place and specifically to show them where and when the shot took place to make sure it was within public safety guidelines ie: backstop, distance from road, people or dwellings. They will probably inspect your Gun safe and lockbox also. Take as many of your own photos as possible and as I said before DO NOT give the remains back to the owners.

I have never had any bother from the police or dog warden to date and as far as they were concerned if done as outlined above it is legally justified.

Interesting. The dead dog is however still "goods" and property and still owned by the original owner. If he has no access to the corpse, how does owner ascertain whether the dog was legally shot or not? And on what facet of the law have the police or the shooter the right to deprive the owner of the body? I thought that was detinue. Not trying to score points, just curious.

 

[shumungus]

Same way the police or coroner take possession of a dead human till they are satisfied with circumstances and cause of death I guess. From previous experience I know that the remains of the dead dog is a very crucial piece of evidence, and if you are approached by the owner for its return you can deny them the right to remove from your property or property under your control until police are on scene or the dog warden has collected the remains then it is deemed by them as a piece of evidence. And believe me you don't want the owner running off with it as then the story can change quite quickly. Also it is not up to the owner to ascertain whether the dog was legally shot, its up to the authorities.

 

[som farmer]

Yes it is , the police dont make the law they are only there to uphold it don't forget !
They can only express an opinion a judge and lawer will interpret the law if it unfortunately comes to it !

according to some of the shooting bodies, BASC, the police seem quite adept at interpreting the law in a way, to suit themselves.
Having had a nasty skirmish with a vegan, i would strongly suggest, any sheep farmer has a written protocol, for dealing with an incident. It's tick box in reverse, as long as the protocol looks sensible, and you have followed it, the law leans well towards you, not only for dogs, but all farm danger points. If you think of sfp/red tractor, it's a tick box culture, use it in reverse.