Man sentenced after his dogs kill 22 pregnant sheep

The owner of two dogs has been fined £900 and banned from keeping dogs for five years following a horrific attack on livestock on a north Wales farm.

The incident happened in sheds at a farm managed by farmer Paul Jones in Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham, on 6 March this year, after two American XL bulldogs escaped from their home nearby and savaged the sheep.

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The attack led to the death of 22 pregnant ewes, with another 48 being injured.

Despite several attempts by the farmer to stop the dogs attacking his livestock, he was unable to get them under control, before one became aggressive towards him.

Both dogs were eventually shot at the scene. The cost of the incident amounted to more than £14,000.

Dog owner David Hughes, 26, of Pen y Wern, Rhosllanerchrugog, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court in late August, where he admitted being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog and being the owner of a dog worrying livestock.

Hughes was banned from keeping dogs for five years and ordered to pay £900 in fines.

PC Chris James of North Wales Police said he welcomed the sentence after what was a “horrific” scene for the victim.

“The emotional and financial impact on the farmer has been considerable,” he said.

“Livestock attacks are extremely distressing not only for the animals, but for their keepers, too.

“The costs, both financially and emotionally, for such distressing incidents are wholly unacceptable.”