Friday 17 January 2025
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"Worried sheep" need protecting

Friday 17 January 2025

"Worried sheep" need protecting

Friday 17 January 2025


Dog owners have been urged to be especially cautious when walking their pets with the GSPCA receiving reports of domestic animals "worrying" livestock.

The animal welfare charity takes responsibility for helping all creatures and says it helps both pets and farm animals on an almost daily basis.

Manager, Steve Byrne says some of the cases they deal with are due to dogs being walked worrying a herd or individual animals which can result in them being hurt or escaping.

“We have recent reports of dogs off lead worrying farm animals which is very worrying for their welfare and safety," he said.

“When out with your dog the GSPCA ask all islanders to kindly be cautious in areas where farm animals and horses might be present both for their pets safety and that of the animals residing in those fields or locations.

“Farm animals especially the larger species can if scared break out of fields causing a risk to themselves and others and we want to ensure the animals and our community is kept safe and well.”

When they need to deal with larger farm animals, Mr Byrne said it can involve helping to calm escaped horses, or round up sheep in the road. They've had to escort cows out of domestic gardens and help pigs back to where they are supposed to be.

He said they have "many more" examples of cases involving larger animals that the GSPCA has helped with.

While many of the cases of escaped farm or large animals are due to fences coming down, especially during windy weather, or gates being left open, it is especially worrying when they hear of dog owners not being responsible, added GSPCA Receptionist Sharna Leaman.

“Just a friendly reminder to all our dog walkers: If you're walking your dogs on land where there is livestock, please ensure they are kept on a lead at all times.

"We've received reports this week of dogs worrying sheep, with the landowner witnessing the incident.

“Let's all do our part to protect both our furry friends and the animals around us.”

Mr Byrne said whatever the situation, the GSPCA is always available to help an animal in need. But some situations can be avoided, he stressed. .

“With any found animals or lose farm animals you can call our emergency line on 01481 257261 24/7.

“In recent years we have seen a stray horse walk into the car park and even two goats walk on site to hand themselves in when they escaped their field.

“Of all lost animals, large farm animals and horses are always hugely concerning as not only can they cause damage through no fault of their own they can pose a real risk to drivers, pedestrians and of course to themselves."

The Summary Offences (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1982 makes it an offence for the owner or keeper of an animal to fail to restrain it from attacking or chasing another animal belonging to another person.

The Dogs (Liability for Injury and Protection of Livestock) Ordinance, 1982 allows the owner of livestock to protect them against a dog that is worrying them on land that they occupy when the dog is not under the control of its owner.

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