Dog walkers have been issued a stark warning by police to not let their pets run free after a sheep was killed in Saddleworth.
PC James Peddar, from the Saddleworth Policing Team, said he has been following up on reports of dog walkers allowing their pets to run free in some parts of the fields in the area.
On the latest occasion, dog walkers chose a field which the local farmer was using as pasture for their sheep where the dog chased the sheep around.
PC Peddar said: “One of the sheep is now dead and others are receiving expensive vet treatment.
“I will remind the public that it is a criminal offence - section 1 of the Dogs (protection of livestock) Act 1953 - to attack livestock, or chase livestock in such a way as may reasonably be expected to cause injury or suffering to the livestock or, in the case of females, abortion, or loss of or diminution in their produce, or being at large - that is to say not on a lead or otherwise under close control - in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep."
PC Peddar said he met a young Doberman called Maya while she was being trained by her owner, adding: “As I do like dogs and I firmly believe there are no bad dogs, only bad owners I'll share that I met a young Doberman being trained.
“She is a bit volatile with strangers who she thinks are a threat to her trainer but after some introductions I enjoyed hand feeding her and doing some close order lead walking.
“She is a lovely dog that needs understanding, and I was impressed with her discipline. This was not just jolly for me – this helped Maya learn socialisation with people and build trust in the humans who have upset her in the past.”
Dog owners could be fined up to £1,000 if caught not complying with the law.
Local people encouraged to have a say to improve travel in town
Police offer advice after rise in family gold burglaries
The Oldham Coliseum Theatre returns with play celebrating Oldham
Royton nursery celebrates a good Ofsted
