Colchester dog owner admits livestock attack
It happened earlier this month
A Colchester woman has agreed to strict conditions relating to dog ownership, after her pet attacked several sheep.
Police received reports of a dog attacking livestock in a field near Alresford, on 8 November.
One sheep died in the attack, a second had to be put down by a vet and a third received treatment for its injuries.
After being arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog worrying livestock and admitting the offence, the 20-year-old accepted an adult conditional caution, with a number of conditions she must comply with:
- to attend and actively engage with a Responsible Dog Ownership Course
- to ensure the dog wears a muzzle, a collar and a substantial, non-extendable, lead and harness at all times in public
- to have the dog under suitable control at all times in public and in private.
Investigating officer, PC Dane Wyatt, explains that a conditional caution is not an easy way out: “We spoke with the livestock owner and agreed a course of action to promote responsible dog ownership in the future.
“Victims are often concerned to ensure that such attacks are not repeated and the dog owner learns from the incident.
“If the person fails to comply with the conditions within a set time limit, they could face prosecution for the original offence. And the victim still has a choice whether to take out a private prosecution or civil action.”