NEWS RELEASE
PR 1695
For Immediate
Release
5 April
2004
Remember the
Country Code
DOG owners are
being reminded to keep their pets away from sheep during lambing
season.
With the Easter holidays coming up,
Bath & North East Somerset Council is calling on people to heed the
country code, to avoid putting pregnant ewes and young lambs in
danger.
The country code advises owners to
‘Keep your dog on a lead and out of fields with livestock’.
Senior Enforcement Officer and
Animal Health Officer, Philip Wilson, said: “Bath & North East
Somerset Council urges people to follow the country code. We are
very concerned that people are unaware of the country code which
details that dogs should be kept on leads. People may not be aware
that farmers are allowed to shoot dogs that are worrying sheep.”
Executive Member for Community
Safety and Housing, Cllr Vic Pritchard, said: “It is a worrying time
of year for the farming community. There can be unnecessary injuries
and death caused to livestock, and there are also the financial
implications and veterinary bills to think of.”
Dog Warden, Dennis Oakman, said:
“The lambing season is from January until late May. At this time of
year people naturally want to go for countryside walks. We just need
to remind them to be aware of the dangers of letting their pets
loose in the fields. Remember, every dog is a natural predator and
has natural animal instincts.”
A farmer has the right to protect
his livestock and if necessary can shoot any dog that is deemed to
be worrying his livestock. The dog owner or person in charge of a
dog will be held liable for any damages and can be prosecuted under
the Animals Act 1971.
Richard Masling Chief Inspector at
the RSPCA said: “Responsible dog ownership is not just within the
city, it includes the countryside and owners are reminded that they
have a responsibility to keep there dogs under control especially on
land where there is livestock.”
The Dog Warden can be reached at
9-10 Bath Street, Bath 01225 396633 or
www.bathnes.gov.uk
For more information, contact :
Senior Enforcement
Officer and Animal Health Officer, Philip Wilson, on Tel: 01225
396756 or email philip_wilson@bathnes.gov.uk
For comment,
contact:
Executive Member
for Community Safety and Housing, Cllr Vic Pritchard, on Tel: 01275
333159, or email vic_pritchard@bathnes.gov.uk
Issued by: Bath &
North East Somerset Press Office, tel 01225 477827 or 477283, email:
pressoffice@bathnes.gov.uk |
