Parish volunteers target out of control dogs to stop attacks

PARISIONERS have launched a project to crack down on dogs attacking sheep and other wildlife.

Members of the Sutton Parish Plan steering group are making a two-pronged attack on dog issues in the parish. The plan includes targetting dog fouling, but also includes an action plan against dogs disturbing and attacking wildlife.

It comes after two sheep attacks in Langley in recent months.

Kevin Hoines, from the parsh plan group, said; “Three of the sheep suffered serious injuries during the attacks, which included damaged tendons and muscles to their rear legs and they had to be destroyed on the advice of the veterinary surgeon. Two further sheep suffered less severe leg injuries. They have now recovered and are back with the flock.

“The veterinary surgeon and the slaughter man attending the sheep were both of the opinion the bite marks were consistent with an attack by a large dog. We are also aware of dog attacks on wildlife, on other dogs, on people and dogs jumping up at people causing injury.”

Kevin added: “We will target hotspots with Environmental Wardens and The Dogs Trust who will provide free micro chipping and a health check. At some locations we may also have the presence of a dog trainer who will provide advice on keeping dogs under control.

“We would like to organise a series of sheep awareness sessions. These would give dog owners an insight on how their dogs react to sheep when in close proximity to them and when the sheep are running. These sessions would be in a sheep pen and we would ensure dogs were under close control at all times.”

Contact the group at admin@suttonparish.org.