Man charged following sheep worrying offences in April

A man has been convicted at court for offences relating to livestock worrying in Hollington, near Uttoxeter, that led to the death of eight lambs and five ewes.

 

Matthew Galovics, aged 52, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates Court on Tuesday 16 November, where he was ordered to pay a fine, court costs and victim surcharge.

He was charged under Section Two of the Dogs Act 1871 and has been issued a court order – whereby his dogs must be kept under proper control or destroyed.

It follows an incident on Saturday 24 April 2021, whereby two German Shepherd dogs escaped control of their owner in Hollington.

They travelled for over a mile towards a farmer’s field, where both dogs proceeded to chase and attack a flock of sheep inside.

The financial cost to the farmer was in excess of £7,000, with some of the remaining flock requiring specialist vet treatment for their injuries – including trauma.

Chief Inspector Mark Thorley, of Staffordshire Moorlands Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is written into law that any farmer can protect their livestock by shooting dogs who are attacking their animals, but not farmer likes the prospect of doing it.

“There is only one person who can prevent this kind of incident from happening – the dog’s owner. You may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control them.

“Livestock can be worth huge sums of money and owners can be liable for damages if their dog attacks them.

“If you are in complete control of your dog and in accordance with the law, you need not worry – both your pet and the livestock around you are not at risk of this happening”.

PC James Leigh, of Staffordshire Police, said: “This is by far the worst and most shocking case of sheep worrying I have dealt with in my 13 years of policing.

“The emotional and financial impact on the farmer has been considerable, and it will be felt for years to come.

“No matter how well your pet behaves, I urge all dog owners to ensure they have full control of their animals at all times – untrained and younger dogs in particular.

“If your dog has escaped in a rural area, please contact police as promptly as possible so local farmers and landowners can be alerted.”