chipper Posted May 15, 2016 Report Share Posted May 15, 2016 I'm sure this topic has been much talked about. Unfortunately, last month a farmer friend had 12 ewes killed (by dogs), and this week (Friday) another 7 ewes PLUS a big Tup killed. There are no public footpaths near these fields, so would this be trespass ? ?, The farmer is not impressed to say the very least, and has asked me to 'shoot any dogs you see around the flock'. The sheep are kept on rented fields, am i legally allowed to carry out the farmers orders to shoot any dogs worrying the sheep ? Should I obtain written permission from The landowner or the farmer ? Has anyone here been in a similar situation ? ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyska Posted May 15, 2016 Report Share Posted May 15, 2016 (edited) I'd be telling the farmer to shoot them himself. It's been discussed to death on here, and never gets solved. As a landowner myself, I wouldn't be putting the legal quagmire on any of my shooters, and you'll get it without a doubt, and more. You can't simply shoot any dog near a flock of sheep, and any permission from the land owner is anodyne as they can't give you permission to kill someone's dog. Steer clear or be VERY wary if you are put in a difficult position. Under criminal law, you have no authority to kill a dog, the owner has committed an offence, civil law is slightly skewed. Don't get me wrong, if I had a dog killing or worrying my flock I would shoot it, I wouldn't expect one of my freinds who shoot for to me do the same. Edited May 15, 2016 by kyska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulnix Posted May 15, 2016 Report Share Posted May 15, 2016 I'm with Kyska on this, steer clear if you can but if you do happen across a situation where a dog is worrying sheep I can't see how you could just stand back and let it happen, isn't an easy position to be in and I've been in it as well, luckily someone else shot the dogs worrying a neighbours sheep while I was on my way. He shouldn't ring you and expect you to come out and do it. If you are tasked with looking after them, ie the farmer ask you check them which he has, then you have the same legal defence as he would have, farmers don't have a right to shoot dogs what they have is a legal defence of their actions and thankfully the police seem to understand this generally and are sympathetic to the farmers, but be careful what gun you use, take a Shotgun not a rifle as is unlikely the rifle is cleared for it and you got to notify the police within 48 hours, but best ring them asap and with the farmer there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TONY R Posted May 15, 2016 Report Share Posted May 15, 2016 As above dont get involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted May 15, 2016 Report Share Posted May 15, 2016 This one has been well trawled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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