Fatal sheep attack on Moel Famau reignites focus on responsible dog ownership

The issue of responsible dog ownership is back in focus following a fatal sheep attack on Moel Famau on Wednesday.

The incident, which occurred around 8 am [21st June], has spurred local farmer and councillor, Huw Williams, to offer a reward for information leading to the “arrest of the dog owners.”

An eyewitness account states that two Vizsla-like dogs, which were off-lead among a group of runners, chased and attacked a sheep halfway up the mountain.

Moel Famau rangers, who arrived at the scene, discovered a dead sheep with apparent neck wounds. The incident has since been reported to the police.

Cllr Huw Williams took to Facebook, making an appeal to help identify the dogs’ owners.

He posted an image of a Vizsla, similar to the dogs implicated in the attack, and promised a £100 reward for information.

In his post, Cllr Williams said, “Can anyone help find the owner of two dogs like this one in the picture who were jogging up Moel Famau this morning around 8 am? The sheep was killed by the two dogs, and the owners just ran off.”

This regrettable event has underscored the importance of responsible dog ownership, particularly in areas where livestock roam freely.

Dogs should be on a lead around livestock as per best practices.

Between 1 March and 31 July, dogs on a lead on open access land, this is a legal requirement.

The reality of potential risks to livestock is underlined by the fact that farmers can legally shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock, without necessarily being liable for compensation.

“Dogs must be on a lead at Moel Famau,” declared the Rangers. “By not having them on a lead, you are not only risking them worrying and killing the sheep that graze the hill, but you are putting your own dog’s life at risk. You can be taken to court, fined, and have a destruction order placed against your dog.”

For more detailed guidance, dog owners are referred to the Dog Walking Code, which provides a comprehensive guideline for responsible dog ownership in public areas.

For further information, dog owners are directed to the Dog Walking Code, providing a comprehensive guide to responsible dog ownership in public spaces. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​