News / Woman fined for dog worrying sheep
A WHALSAY woman who allowed a Norwegian elkhound to run through a field of 15 sheep near her home was fined £200 at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday.
Christine Polson, aged 43, of Woodstock, Isbister, admitted allowing the young bitch to worry sheep in a field at Grunnataing.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said that elkhounds are bred to run and bark, but not to attack. However he said their behaviour had caused “trepidation” amongst people walking past the woman’s house.
Mr Mackenzie said that she had already been spoken to by the police about keeping her dogs within the confines of her garden, but accepted that the dogs were not as dangerous as people thought.
The fiscal said: “There may well be a basis for her contention that their trepidation is without any basis. She clearly looks after her dogs well and she responded in the correct way when this matter was brought to her attention.”
He added: “The dogs might well be trained to run and bark and not to attack but the sheep don’t know that and it’s well known the damage that can be done to sheep simply through fear.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.