On Monday 22 October, our farm team at Cockington were alarmed to discover that a dog had attacked one of our sheep that resides there. The attack happened at Lady Park behind Cockington Court during the day on Monday. The sheep is now suffering a great deal of pain and distress and may have to be put down.
We would be grateful to hear from anyone who saw or heard this incident on Monday. You can contact us on 01803 520 022 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm) or email: info@countryside-trust.org.uk.
We would also like to remind everyone visiting Trust land (including Cockington), that it is your responsibility to keep your dog under control and keep to the marked footpaths, so as to ensure the safety of your dog, the welfare of other visitors and the welfare of our livestock. We ask all dog owners to be particularly mindful of the fear, distress and harm that a loose dog can inflict on livestock and remind everyone that the Trust reserves its right to take any lawful action deemed necessary to deal with any dog that is found worrying livestock.
To help, here is a reminder of the Countryside Code:
Respect other people:
- consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
- leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available
Protect the natural environment:
- leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home
- keep dogs under effective control
Enjoy the outdoors:
- plan ahead and be prepared
- follow advice and local signs
We all have a responsibility to protect the countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants or trees and try to leave no trace of your visit. When out with your dog make sure it is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, horses, wildlife or other people. [source: www.gov.uk Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs Natural England]
For more information regarding these guidelines on the countryside code please visit: www.gov.uk
