good weather days for most,please keep your dogs on their leads

My dogs have never been allowed off the lead outside the garden. Whilst they are gentle and loving family pets, they are large dogs and entirely capable of killing. I never lose sight of that.

As it appears from the story that the dog 'broke free' from its owner the implication is that it was on a lead. Not sure what can be done about that. apart from saying never enter a field containing livestock with a dog.

What a distressing incident for all concerned.

After reading the media report the dog was on a lead but once it escaped the owner obviously had no recall response from the dog.
Its a code of the country side that dogs worrying sheep can be shot but however it is a sad day for the owner and his/her family.

It sounds as if the lead and the dog’s training were inadequate. My dogs have harnesses as with their strength they could easily break away from a simple clip on lead. I think many owners underestimate their dogs’ strength.

A sad story, however the farmer had the right to protect his livestock - they are his livelihood! Simple lesson here - do not enter a field with a dog
( on or off the lead!) A much loved and gentle dog can not be trusted when it is among sheep or cattle.

It is a dog's natural instinct to attack a sheep. It is sad this has happened but around where I live many people allow their dogs off the lead even though there are fields of sheep nearby.