After the recent report on the appalling attack by a dog on "Freddie" the seal in London (see here), this article is highly relevant as lockdown eases ....
The Guardian - If your dog goes for my sheep, then I will shoot, UK farmers warn walkers
Now, I definitely have an issue regarding the way in which our upland and mountain areas are managed, not least the enormous damage caused by sheep who graze the landscape to a millimetre of its life and prevent the growth and regeneration of plants, shrubs and trees which benefit wildlife.
These are the "sheepwrecked" landscapes caused by the "white plague" described so well by George Monbiot. There is a lack of wildlife in our upland and mountain areas which is so starkly apparent compared with most other European countries.
Nonetheless, sheep and their lambs are living animals that should not be exposed to the anxiety, fear, attack and death caused by dogs that are allowed to run loose by their irresponsible owners.
It would be extremely regrettable if any dog was shot by a hill farmer and I would feel sorry for any that were (but not for their owners) but if that is a consequence of irresponsible dog ownership, then so be it.
Apart from sheep and lambs, it is now the breeding season for many ground nesting birds.
Dogs need to be kept under control by keeping them on a lead in sensitive areas for wildlife and farm animals.
It is not difficult.
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