Ingatestone dog walker compensates farmer after sheep death

A dog walker who allowed two dogs to “terrify” a flock of pregnant ewes in a field near Ingatestone, Essex, will pay compensation to the farmer, following an investigation by a specialist rural engagement officer from Essex Police.

The 55-year-old was walking the dogs off-lead down a lane on 29 March when they ran into a nearby field.

In the panic, one ewe – pregnant with three lambs – went into immediate shock and later died, while another got tangled in brambles and barbed wire attempting to flee.

Subsequently, a third ewe rejected her two newborn lambs, because of the trauma she suffered.

Investigating officer PC Luke Jones said: “Livestock worrying causes suffering to the animals and can result in their death, while it often means a financial loss for the owner. Often, they don’t want the dog owner or the person walking the dogs prosecuted but they do want to make sure the dog won’t attack livestock again and they do want to be compensated for any damage, loss or vet bills incurred.

“So a community resolution is a good way of resolving this. The offender has to admit what they have done and agree a course of action with the victim which goes some way to putting right the harm caused. In this case, the farmer wanted an apology and to be paid for the loss of their sheep, which is what has happened.

“We have found this approach to be very effective at preventing repeat attacks as the person really understands the damage caused by their lack of control over the dogs.”