Mum apologises to farmer after Siberian Huskies mauled sheep
A MOTHER of four had to apologise to a farmer after her pair of Siberian Huskie dogs mauled a sheep to death after they escaped from the garden.
Owner Hayley McCulloch, 32, will pay £400 compensation after both dogs got into Glendoune Farm in Girvan and worried the sheep on February 16 this year after managing to get out the property.
The court heard Ms McCulloch offered to pay back the farmer after the savaged sheep later had to be put down by a vet.
The Procurator Fiscal depute said: “The complainer was working on the farm when two Siberian Husky dogs entered one of the fields and worried sheep by chasing them. The dogs caught one sheep and mauled it to the extent a vet had to be called.
“The injuries were so severe it was destroyed costing £400. The accused was out looking for the dogs and spoke with the witness. She spoke to officers and admitted full responsibility.
Defence solicitor Gregor Forbes explained: “The dogs got out the door into the garden but the gate had become damaged. This resulted in the dogs getting out.
“One of the dogs started showing dangerous behaviour [following the incident] and ultimately the dog had to be put down. With the second she felt it was difficult to look after and was given to a friend. She does have one dog now but a very small French bull dog.
“There was a suggestion made of her paying compensation to the complainer and she apologised. It seems to be a very unfortunate incident
Sheriff Siobhan Connelly said: “Ms McCulloch I’ve heard all that’s been said and take it into account. It does seem to be an unfortunate incident.
“I will deal with it in a compensation order for the sum of £400 paid at £40 per month.”