Irresponsible dog owners

[RampantIvy]

I live rurally, and there has been yet another distressing post on the local Facebook page from a farmer who has had two pregnant sheep attacked by a dog. One of the sheep had to be put down, and the farmer is worried that the rest of his sheep might lose their lambs.

This makes me sad for the farmers and so angry with these selfish and lazy dog owners who should know better.

For the record I quite like dogs, but I dislike owners who won't take responsibility for their dogs.

I know that farmers in some circumstances are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep it's a pity they can't shoot their owners

especially after being attacked by a husky with no training.

Mine got attacked by one of these too! It was roaming free round the woods with no owner because it regularly escapes from its garden. I had to pick my spaniel up and carry him away at one point as it has reappeared on the far side of the woods.

I've had dogs my whole life and always just assumed it was common knowledge to keep dogs on leads if anywhere near livestock (not just in the same field). It wasn't until having my two boys as an adult and living rurally that I've realised just how many people think that common sense doesn't apply to them - they're also usually the ones who's dogs have no recall and would be the first to chase/hurt the animals.

It's also amazed me how many people think it's okay for their dogs to chase livestock because they're "not going to hurt them, they're just playing"

I avoid all sheep fields at this time of year. The rest of the time the dogs are put on leads as we pass through. It’s really not difficult but the sense of entitlement of some people is astonishing.