Has anyone been successful in securing a conviction for sheep worrying? Google isn't bringing up many success stories. On Friday our neighbour's dog (gsd) jumped their fence in to our neighbouring field which contained 2 of our ram lambs (thankfully not our ewes). I heard barking and went out and found 1 x lamb and the dog in the stream. Lamb 2 nowhere to be seen, I thought that we were going to find him drowned in the stream. Luckily we found him about an hour later, 2 fields away in with our ewes. He had been bitten underneath.
I caught the dog and returned it to the owner who then refused to come and help look for the sheep because she was 'too upset' because I shouted and swore at her! Apparently it was my fault for putting sheep next to their house. I have a text message trail where it is clear that they are admitting it happened. Dog has form for not being under control. It has run out and chased me down the road on my horse and done the same to a runner. No apologies either time.
I have reported to the police and told them I want the owners convicted. The PC I have been allocated seems pretty hopeless. Currently in the process of writing up my statement. Neighbours are yet to be spoken to by the police. We have a good local rural crime team. Apparently they will be informed but will not get involved as they deal with 'higher profile ' incidents. I will contact them directly if I have no joy progressing this with my local PC. No great financial loss for us but it is the principle. It could have been a lot worse and I want to be sure it doesn't happen again. The injured lamb was bitten on his penis so no good for breeding now, so I will be seeking compensation for loss of value. No vets bills, as yet, it has been ok with just a clean up and we are keeping an eye on him, in case of infection.
I generally don't put stock behind the neighbour's house for exactly this reason but annoyingly it is our only field with permanent fencing so the ram lambs do need to be there at this time of year. Luckily I text the neighbours informing them the sheep were in there when I moved them in a few weeks ago. All screen shot and sent to the police. Any tips? Has anyone been through similar? It's the lack of apology/willingness to admit fault that gets me. I would be mortified if my dog did that and would be going out of my way to make amends.
I caught the dog and returned it to the owner who then refused to come and help look for the sheep because she was 'too upset' because I shouted and swore at her! Apparently it was my fault for putting sheep next to their house. I have a text message trail where it is clear that they are admitting it happened. Dog has form for not being under control. It has run out and chased me down the road on my horse and done the same to a runner. No apologies either time.
I have reported to the police and told them I want the owners convicted. The PC I have been allocated seems pretty hopeless. Currently in the process of writing up my statement. Neighbours are yet to be spoken to by the police. We have a good local rural crime team. Apparently they will be informed but will not get involved as they deal with 'higher profile ' incidents. I will contact them directly if I have no joy progressing this with my local PC. No great financial loss for us but it is the principle. It could have been a lot worse and I want to be sure it doesn't happen again. The injured lamb was bitten on his penis so no good for breeding now, so I will be seeking compensation for loss of value. No vets bills, as yet, it has been ok with just a clean up and we are keeping an eye on him, in case of infection.
I generally don't put stock behind the neighbour's house for exactly this reason but annoyingly it is our only field with permanent fencing so the ram lambs do need to be there at this time of year. Luckily I text the neighbours informing them the sheep were in there when I moved them in a few weeks ago. All screen shot and sent to the police. Any tips? Has anyone been through similar? It's the lack of apology/willingness to admit fault that gets me. I would be mortified if my dog did that and would be going out of my way to make amends.