One of the worst jobs I ever attended as an RSPCA Inspector was a livestock attack where on arrival, I had to contain a sheep that was running around with its intestines trailing along the floor. It was actually tripping over its own insides.
The culprit…someone’s beloved family member, a French Bulldog.
I’ve been a vegetarian since birth and throughout my adult life a vegan, so my moral stance on animal farming is one of disagreement. However, ultimately, whilst an animal is on this planet, I strive to ensure that its life is one where its welfare is of the highest standard.
Introducing Operation Recall
Operation Recall is the brainwave of a dedicated rural crime police officer from Cheshire Police and now includes partners, Naturewatch Foundation and the RSPCA.
We aim to drastically reduce the number of incidents where animals suffer, whether that’s injured livestock or dogs shot or euthanised as a consequence.
What we are doing
We are producing a mandatory video to form part of conditional cautions, which are used as a tool to resolve cases where offenders are identified, as well as hitting hard on the public awareness front.
But why?
Dogs out of control kill thousands of livestock on an annual basis. ‘Livestock’ is defined under the legislation that governs livestock attacks (Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953), and includes sheep, cows, horses and a few other species. We may call them farmed animals or grazing animals also.
Therefore, ground-nesting birds and wildlife are not protected from dogs out of control under this legislation. More to come on this point later in the year!
“Figures show that pre-pandemic, at least one dog a week was shot because of livestock worrying/attacks. Now with a massive increase in dog ownership post-pandemic, I imagine this is now much higher. (Cite: BBC 2016)”
Play your part in helping to end livestock attacks and keeping dogs safe
The key to keeping livestock and dogs safe, I believe, is responsible dog ownership. This is where our pledge plays its part.
We are asking dog owners, walkers, carers, Auntie Jill that has Jasper every other Sunday and everyone else in between with access to dogs, to sign our pledge.
When it comes to dogs out of control, everyone suffers.
- Be that person that does everything to avoid the preventable.
- Be that person that keeps their dog safe.
- Be that person that pledges to be the responsible one.
By taking the OP RECALL pledge today, we’ll even send you a free car air freshener.
Who doesn’t need a forest fresh scent to mask the forever lingering smell of rolled-in fox poo on the journey home?!
