Dogs escaped - police euthanise or rehome

[fingersandthumbs]

Desperate for some advice for a good friend please.

Over the weekend 2 of her dogs managed to escape or were accidentally let out from her garden. The garden is 2 acres and has fencing all the way around. She is reviewing her CCTV to find out how/where the dogs escaped but the facts are that they did and were therefore not in control.

The 2 dogs went across the a couple of crop fields that they are often walked in, (with farmers permission) Unfortunately, they then went into a field that had ewes in lamb in. They apparently did not chase the sheep but obviously the sheep were scared/worried.

The police are now involved and have said that she either needs to have the dogs euthanized or rehouse them separately.

She knows that she is extremely lucky that the farmer did not shoot the dogs, she knows that this situation could have been much worse but can anyone confirm whether she can ask if the dogs could be rehomed together?

They are 4 years old, they have been part of a bigger pack of 6 dogs, since they were puppies. To rehouse them apart would be something that they are not used to.

I appreciate that dogs worrying sheep is an emotive topic and I also understand the anger and worry that the farmer is no doubt feeling but if posters could concentrate on the question regarding rehoming together/separately rather than recriminations it would be very much appreciated.

Thank you

The police can't make any demands, but do sometimes try it on. They can refer to C P S to prosecute. The C P S may or may not do so. Only the court could then make demands, eg to have dog's pts (not in this case)Yes, it is an offence for dogs to worry sheep, whether or not 'damage' is caused. If your friend wants to keep the dogs, she can do so. She may be prosecuted, and fined (not imprisoned! unless she makes a habit of letting her dogs out ). She should find out how it happened, and remedy it, show lots if remorse and regret, and show what she has done so will never happen again. If the farmer has suffered no damage, ie no miscarriages have occurred, then CPS may well not prosecute.

Have just read OP again. If these dogs did not chase sheep at all, as long as no damage has been suffered, the owner shows that how they got out was an aberration, that they are normally entirely secure, that steps now taken to remedy, I would put money on no prosecution........, or if there is only a fine at bottom of the scale. She should not give these dogs up