Man took pictures of his dogs attacking sheep

Daniel Lakin, of Beresford Road, Rotherham, appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court last Friday and was also ordered to pay compensation to the farmer whose sheep had been injured and was given a 12-month supervision order.

In addition, Lakin was given an electronic tag with an imposed curfew.

Lakin first appeared in court in January where he admitting using his dogs to attack and injure sheep in Doncaster last year.

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and animal cruelty.

Police were called at around 2pm on August 15 to a farm in Limekiln Lane, Stainton, following reports from a farmer that his  sheep had been injured.

Two sheep, belonging to a 57-year-old man, were found to have bite injuries.

One of the sheep was so badly injured, it had to be put down.

A vet concluded that the injuries were consistent with an animal attack.

Lakin was arrested that evening and examination of his mobile phone, which was seized at his home, revealed a number of  photographs of his dogs attacking sheep.

Lakin’s three dogs, two Staffordshire Terrier type dogs and a greyhound/lurcher type dog, were seized from the address.

One of the dogs has since died and two have been re-housed.

PC Dean Stockdale, a specialist wildlife crime officer and dog legislation officer based in Doncaster, said: “The result sends  a strong message that this sort of crime is unacceptable and police will take firm action against individuals who deliberately  use their dogs to worry or injure livestock.

“This sort of crime is not a victimless offence – farmers’ livelihoods can be severely impacted by this thoughtless act.

“Sheep, horses and cattle can be gravely injured, sometimes needing to be put down to spare them further pain, as well as  animals dying from exhaustion from being chased.

“Lambing season is approaching and I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to keep their dogs on leads around livestock to prevent incidents like this in future.”