Judge spares dog after death of eight sheep

Judge spares dog after death of eight sheep

4 February 2015

A JUDGE has refused to order the destruction of a dog which was was involving in the killing of eight sheep near Killough.

The husky-type dog was one of two which attacked livestock in fields between the Rossglass Road and Point Road on May 8 last year.

A husband and wife saw the attack and grabbed one of the dogs which they took home with them. A vet was able to determine, via a microchip in the animal, that it belonged to Cathy Robinson, of Seaview, Killough.

A prosecution lawyer told Downpatrick Court on Monday that there were six dead lambs and two dead ewes after the attack.

When police spoke to Robinson, she said someone may have accidentally left the gate open at her property, which allowed the dog to get out.

A defence solicitor said the three-and-a-half year old husky is a family pet which is normally penned in to Robinson’s property with a second husky dog.

The solicitor said his client is “deeply mortified” about what has happened.

“My client is going to make sure this never ever happens again if she can help it,” he added.

At court on Monday a request was made for the dog to be destroyed, but Deputy District Judge Mr. Terence Dunlop ruled a confinement order that prevented it from going onto agricultural lands and an order that the dog be neutered should be put into effect instead.

“I do not treat lightly the fact that livestock were worried and killed,” he said.

He fined Robinson £500, and ordered her to pay £590 compensation to the owners of the sheep for the value of the deceased animals as well as compensation of £79.44 to cover the vet’s bill,.

“I believe that reflects the gravity of the situation,” he said.