Dogs need leashed when on livestock land

In New Zealand livestock farmers have notices in their fields saying that dogs off the lead will be shot.

bags, I didn't read all the comments, but for me it's simple. My dogs are never off lead around livestock, particularly sheep. I grew up with dogs, have always shared my life with them, and until my labradoodle joined us 5 years ago, I thought I could handle my dogs around livestock. I now fully accept there are some dogs you simply can't train the high prey urge out of.

My doodle is very obedient, a lovely, gentle dog, and I spent many hours working with her, with the help of a local sheep farmer. For two years she was brilliant, you would know if she got the scent of sheep we couldn't see, because she'd come and walk by my side. Last February, during the heavy snow, one of our farmers brought his sheep down from the moors, and put them in a field, half a mile from the path we were walking on. I saw the dog freeze, nose in the air, called her, but she was in the zone, and took off. She cleared a stone wall, and by the time I'd caught up with her, was standing, full of pride, with one sheep pinned up at the bottom of the field. The farmer was very kind when we called to confess - he knows her, and said "you can't blame that dog, it's a smasher, it's just deep in it. Mind you, I'll shoot it if I see it in my field". I don't blame him. We arranged for me to go back to basic training. I took the dog up to a small field, with 3 chosen sheep in it and let her loose. She immediately came and sat at my side. The farmer let his dog in, and had the sheep worked around my dog, who didn't move a muscle, just sat there. She absolutely understands she isn't to chase, but she's a dog, and after 2 years of excellent behaviour, reverted to instinct. We live on the edge of moorland, so sheep, deer and small furry animals are everywhere. It's up to dog owners to be responsible. I remain thankful that my dog didn't harm the sheep, though she terrified it and even more thankful the farmer didn't shoot her.

Local dog was shot by farmer recently. He gave the owners due warning but they persisted in allowing the dog loose on livestock and so he shot it. Sad, but inevitable.

Simple really yes dogs should be on a lead and yes I have to agree that land owners have the right to protect their animals as they deem fit according to the circumstances.

It could be said it wasn't the land owner but the owner of the dog that caused it's sad demise. Whether it be harassing animals, mauling children it always amazes me that some folk refuse to consider the nature of an animal.

Agreed Pogs - I have no criticism for farmer's who shoot dogs that are loose around their livestock.
As a dog lover, and owner, I'm finding myself in the difficult position of being in conflict with 2 folks who have set themselves up as "professional dog walkers and day carers". No qualifications, and no sense either. One man walks up to 5 dogs, all off lead, morning and afternoon in our local park. He drives to the gate, opens his van door, all 5 jump out and run about despite the cars coming and going, and the number of other dog walkers. I've tried, as have other regular walkers on the park, to get the Dog Warden involved. We've been told that as no one has been bitten, no dog has been attacked, they can't do anything.
It's only a matter of time before one of these things happens. The guy is walking different groups of dogs together. The dogs don't know each other, but quickly form a pack. Their handler often has his ipod on, listening to music whilst he stands still, allowing this pack to run loose,with no notion what they're doing. It makes me so cross.

Putting a dog on a leash near livestock is a 'no brainer' even though I hate the term it seems to fit. It is almost on a par with the fact that I am 99.9% sure my dog will be fine with my two year old grandson but whilst there is a 0.1% chance she would go for DGS they will not be allowed in a room together without me!

We're pet free but all three offspring send their dogs to us on holiday and they're never let off where there's likely to be livestock or traffic or children with sweeties or lots of people or rabbits. All situations are far too unpredictable. Extending leads are wonderful things.

Iam I've heard before of people setting themselves up as dog walkers and just letting dogs run loose. Surely if he's using the local park there must be a dog fouling law he could be caught on? Or perhaps a few photos sent to the local press?

(I used to walk my mum's dog. A Staffie. She only felt safe on the lead and was afraid of anything bigger than, and including, ducks. She had to be kept on an extending lead most of the time in case a pheasant scared her and she would run home.)

Nfk, when I spoke to the Dog Warden, I told him clearly this chap is walking up to 5 dogs at once, never on leads. No one has ever seen him with a pooh bag, so he isn't picking up. The warden's response was "I'm not allowed to follow people". It was a most frustrating discussion, in which I was made to feel I was the problem for raising this issue.
I haven't given up though. Yesterday when I took my dogs out, he wasn't around, so we started at our usual spot, where is would normally park. The area beyond his van was covered in large piles, as was the beginning of the grass covered walk area. I'm about to take my dogs back there. I haven't given up making a noise about this but I'm wary of photographing him as he is so ready for a shout.

I have a feeling that they have to be caught in the act of letting a dog foul the area, by two people at once. Photographs would be conclusive, if you are brave enough. If others agree that he and the the dogs are a menace, perhaps you could lurk together near the spot with camera at the ready?

That made me laugh Elegran, the idea of the friendly dog walking community lurking nearby with a camera. Worth a thought though.

Perhaps a chat to your local councillor? The warden is clearly not doing his job.

Agree Nfk