Nwicker60
04-Jul-12, 14:54
Husky escaped and attacked lambs, court hears
A DOG attacked lambs after getting free from its home in Thurso, Wick Sheriff Court heard today.
But the Siberian Husky escaped the death sentence. Its owner, unemployed William Goodbrand was ordered to comply with a control order which will involve his pet being muzzled at all times when out on the leash, in public.
The accused will also have to carry out 40 hours unpaid community service and pay the farmer compensation of £500.
The Husky named Storm, seized its chance to get free from the garden of the accused’s home in Holborn Avenue, Thurso, after the gate was left open.
Police encountered Goodbrand out searching for his dog in the early hours of May 16. Later at 6am the officers were informed of the attack on the lambs in a field near the town’s Lidl store. One lamb was dead, and another was found nearby, in a serious condition.
David Barclay, prosecuting said: “The dog was observed in a blood-spattered state. A vet was called to treat the surviving lamb.”
He said that the accused took the matter seriously and had admitted responsibility,immediately.
Mr Barclay said that a police officer with considerable experience of dog handling had advised that the Husky was not the breed for an inexperienced owner. It required specialist kenneling and a high fence as it had the ability to jump, and caring for it required considerable time and effort.
The care and affection shown to the dog might not be enough to look after such a specialist animal said Mr Barclay who added: “The comment was also made that this breed has a very high prey drive. If they see lambs, they have an almost uncontrollable instinct to go after them. Clearly, they require far more than normal care and affection.”
Goodbrand (20) admitted ownership of a dog which had attacked sheep.
His solicitor, Neil Wilson, said that the accused had had no problems with Storm, since acquiring him and went on: “This is not a dog that is allowed run free.” The difficult had arisen when the dog had been let out of the house into the garden to relieve himself-and the gate had been left open. Although the fence is low, the dog has been trained to remain in the garden.
Said Mr Wilson: “On this occasion, however, someone had left the gate open. The accused accepts that he should have checked the gate before letting Storm out.”
The solicitor said that Goodbrand had bought a muzzle for the dog since the incident and, if he was allowed to keep the animal, he would investigate the other measures suggested.
Sheriff Andrew Berry said that a control order, would satisfy the question of public protection but warned Goodbrand that any repetition of the offence would have serious consequences.
The sheriff added: “This is not a trivial matter. Hardworking farmers are entitled to be able to relax during the night, knowing that their livestock is not being attacked by dogs which are out of control.”
MEMO
There might be a follow up for you in this. Does the special requirements mentioned in this case mean that all Siberian Huskies need to comply with them, particularly in light of the “prey” element.
Might be worth a shot. Not the best terminology!!
A DOG attacked lambs after getting free from its home in Thurso, Wick Sheriff Court heard today.
But the Siberian Husky escaped the death sentence. Its owner, unemployed William Goodbrand was ordered to comply with a control order which will involve his pet being muzzled at all times when out on the leash, in public.
The accused will also have to carry out 40 hours unpaid community service and pay the farmer compensation of £500.
The Husky named Storm, seized its chance to get free from the garden of the accused’s home in Holborn Avenue, Thurso, after the gate was left open.
Police encountered Goodbrand out searching for his dog in the early hours of May 16. Later at 6am the officers were informed of the attack on the lambs in a field near the town’s Lidl store. One lamb was dead, and another was found nearby, in a serious condition.
David Barclay, prosecuting said: “The dog was observed in a blood-spattered state. A vet was called to treat the surviving lamb.”
He said that the accused took the matter seriously and had admitted responsibility,immediately.
Mr Barclay said that a police officer with considerable experience of dog handling had advised that the Husky was not the breed for an inexperienced owner. It required specialist kenneling and a high fence as it had the ability to jump, and caring for it required considerable time and effort.
The care and affection shown to the dog might not be enough to look after such a specialist animal said Mr Barclay who added: “The comment was also made that this breed has a very high prey drive. If they see lambs, they have an almost uncontrollable instinct to go after them. Clearly, they require far more than normal care and affection.”
Goodbrand (20) admitted ownership of a dog which had attacked sheep.
His solicitor, Neil Wilson, said that the accused had had no problems with Storm, since acquiring him and went on: “This is not a dog that is allowed run free.” The difficult had arisen when the dog had been let out of the house into the garden to relieve himself-and the gate had been left open. Although the fence is low, the dog has been trained to remain in the garden.
Said Mr Wilson: “On this occasion, however, someone had left the gate open. The accused accepts that he should have checked the gate before letting Storm out.”
The solicitor said that Goodbrand had bought a muzzle for the dog since the incident and, if he was allowed to keep the animal, he would investigate the other measures suggested.
Sheriff Andrew Berry said that a control order, would satisfy the question of public protection but warned Goodbrand that any repetition of the offence would have serious consequences.
The sheriff added: “This is not a trivial matter. Hardworking farmers are entitled to be able to relax during the night, knowing that their livestock is not being attacked by dogs which are out of control.”
MEMO
There might be a follow up for you in this. Does the special requirements mentioned in this case mean that all Siberian Huskies need to comply with them, particularly in light of the “prey” element.
Might be worth a shot. Not the best terminology!!