#RuralTaskForce

OP RECALL AWARENESS WEEK - Livestock Worrying

#OpRecall Awareness Week will run from the 16th to the 22nd of April. This coincides with #OpCoastline & the Easter Holidays when many farmers will be lambing and when we typically see the largest spike in livestock worrying incidents as more dog owners venture out into the countryside.

Every year, thousands of farm animals are killed or injured by dog attacks. Figures also suggest at least one dog a week is shot because of livestock attacks.

#OpRECALL stands for:

Responsibility, Education, Control, Accountability, Livestock and Livelihood

Simply put - your dog is your responsibility!

The law states ‘if a dog worries livestock on any agricultural land, the owner of the dog, and, if it is in the charge of a person other than its owner, that person also, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.’ So, you are always responsible for the dogs you own, and you are also responsible for dogs you are in charge of (for example walking a friend’s dog).

Things to consider: 
• You must put measures in place to keep your dog under proper control when near livestock (Is the lead strong enough, is your fencing up to the job?) 
• If you allow children or young people to walk your dog, are they strong enough to hold it if it pulls harshly?
• Work on the dogs recall in a safe place so that if they do slip the lead you have a plan B!

** You should never allow your dog to be in a position where it could worry livestock **

Officers from the #RuralTaskForce and RSPCA (England & Wales) will be at Sledmere House Lambing Event on  Saturday 19th April raising awareness of the issue and being on hand to speak to dog walkers – if you are in the area please come and say hello.

#OpRecall #RuralCrime #OpCoastline #InYourCommunity