AIBU to be concerned about picknickers with dog loose in field of sheep?

[HyacynthBucket]

Not sure if I abu. Yesterday in the countryside I saw couple with a dog enter a field of sheep. There was no real access into the field - I think they got through a fence - and there was no public footpath in the field either. They had a large bag and sat down, with the dog running around loose among the sheep. It looked as though they were going to have a picnic. I was too far away to be heard, and a river in between us, but in any case not sure if I needed to be concerned. The sheep moved away from the dog as it ran around, but they did not run or panic. I looked it up afterwards, and it seems it is illegal to have a dog in a field of sheep unless under tight control, ie. a lead or very reliably obedient, which this dog did not appear to be. Would welcome Mumsnetters' views, especially those who know farming.

including the fact that townies never make eye contact or speak. I had passed this pair earlier on a very narrow footbridge, and the man just barged past ignoring me, as I said hello.

Now I’m a country girl but I now live in a good sized town. In this town we make eye contact and say good morning, but only when on quieter roads or on the quiet paths in the parks.
I certainly would have spoken to you on the footbridge.

I love my dog and wouldn’t want it shot so YANBU. Whilst I don’t know if I agree with sheep farming for env. reasons, farmers work very hard and I would never do anything I thought would harm the animal or the business.

Oh and I’m a Londoner (with Irish farming family) and I say hello to everyone when I’m out walking my dog. Don’t get me wrong, there are loads that don’t but there are still some nice ones left.

Yes-Farmers are allowed to shoot a dog which appears to be worrying livestock. The farmers would suffer no legal penalty. (Dogs Act 1871).
The owners of the dog (and their children) would be distraught. But that would be their fault.