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DOGS POSE GREAT RISK TO SHEEP
Several incidents of sheep worrying have prompted police officers from the Elmbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team and from the Rural and Wildlife Crime Team to patrol around Claygate's Loseberry Farm.
Livestock worrying is a serious issue for any livestock owner – and also for the dogs involved. “Worrying” is much more than just attacking livestock – it includes “being at large”, which could be off the lead in the same field or not under close control so that scared animals might panic and be injured or lose the young they are carrying – a particular concern at this time of year with ewes in lamb.
Losing livestock is very costly and upsetting for owners who are operating on fine margins. The majority of the incidents are avoidable and through some education and good practice these could be stopped by dog owners keeping their dogs on short leads in areas where livestock is present.
