Farmer angry at dog attack

A farmer whose sheep and lambs have been attacked by dogs three times wants dog owners to behave responsibly.

Mr Jeff Kinder, of Hill Top Farm, Danethorpe, has about 600 sheep. One of the fields backs on to Stapleford Woods and dogs have been entering the field and attacking sheep.

On Friday, eight sheep were left with serious injuries. Five had to be put down and the remaining four are in severe shock.

Mr Kinder said: “I am angry at the irresponsibility of dog owners.

“There was a dog on the arable fields that was attacking the pheasants and when the gamekeeper spoke to the owner, he got angry with him.

“It is very difficult. The fields are away from the house and when you do speak to people, they say that their dog would never do that.”

Mr Kinder, who has been at the farm for about five years, said the problem started only this year.

He said: “My first concern is for the welfare of the sheep, plus they are in lamb at the moment.

“There is also an economic loss, as two lambs are about £50 each and sheep are between £100 and £150 each.”

Mr Kinder said that dogs just running through his fields frightened the sheep. He urged owners to keep their dogs under control and not to let them run out of sight.

The RSPCA is investigating. The inspector for the Newark area, Mr Ian Callingham, urged people to keep their dogs under control.

He said: “The one thing that people should realise is that any dog can attack sheep. The damage caused is horrendous.”

Mr Callingham said farmers could legally shoot dogs if they were loose on their land and were worrying sheep.

The attack has also been reported to the police.