The owner of a dog that left three pregnant sheep injured after two separate attacks in a field has been fined.
Siberian husky Max wounded the animals in a field opposite Oaks Park, along Woodmansterne Road, on two occasions during February – causing some "life-threatening" injuries.
Two of the ewes which were hurt required stitches but all have fully recovered since the incident and gone on to lamb successfully.
The matter was investigated by police before the unidentified owner, from Purley in Croydon, was brought before Croydon Magistrates’ Court.
They pleaded guilty to two counts of sheep worrying, under The Dogs (worrying of livestock) Act 1953, fined £880.90, and handed a dog control order.
A Downlands Partnership spokesman said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Metropolitan Police, whose dedicated team brought a successful prosecution against the owner of this dog.
“They gave us incredible support and pursued the case to an outcome, which we hope, will serve as a deterrent to future attacks.”
A warning put up by police. Photo: Metropolitan Police / Facebook
Compensation was also ordered by the courts to be paid, as well as the vets’ fees, to the owners of the sheep.
It was also argued for a control order to be put in place for Max under Section 2 of the Dogs Act 1871 by police.
Its conditions mean he must wear a full enclosed box or Baskerville muzzle in public, cannot be walked by anyone under 18 when outside, and be neutered or spayed.
PC Heath Keogh said: “We are particularly pleased with this result, as this sort of crime is not something that the MPS deal with on a daily basis and is seen more by our colleagues in rural forces.
“Criminal offences like these have a detrimental effect on a land owner’s or livestock owner’s livelihood. We hope this sends a message to all dog owners that they must take responsibility for their dog’s actions and behaviour. Dog owners are responsible for their dog’s behaviour, not their dogs and they will be held accountable.
“We are fortunate in this instance that all sheep made a full recovery and all the lambs were born safely, also that the courts ordered to pay compensation and the vet fees to the owner of the sheep.”
The owner appeared in court on July 20.
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