Sheep worrying incidents show dogs are out of control - Yorkshire Post Letters

Having read the very distressing and upsetting account from Jill Thorpe (Country Post, May 23) concerning the worrying of their sheep by dogs off lead. The only reason dogs are allowed off lead in the countryside, is owners don't have to clean up faeces left behind, a disgusting practice in itself.

If the chasing and killing of hares is illegal with some severe penalties, why doesn't the same law apply to the worrying of sheep by dogs belonging to irresponsible owners who have no concern for anything but themselves.

Surely the least that Jill Thorpe and her family could have expected was compensation from the dog owner, for the loss and replacement of the sheep. A letter of apology (a slap on the wrist) just isn't good enough and sends out the totally wrong message, it is not acceptable, it is a despicable crime.

The law is in place and needs to be acted upon, bringing down the full force of the law with hefty fines and compensation, even prison sentences for the repeat offenders would get the message home.

The countryside is a working environment and there for all to enjoy. The rules and regulations for access are not draconian, they are simple and easy to understand, but it seems, as usual, a small majority, spoil it.

I hope, and feel that everyone who read Jill's account will hope that the owner of the dogs gets his come-uppance, at the very least substantial compensation.

Should the dogs be seized or should they be euthanised, as they are obviously out of control?