A manwho allowed his dog to worry sheep has been fined £830.

Neil Rowe, 40, of Bannings Vale, Saltdean, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to allowing his dogs to worry livestock at Kirby Farm, Telscombe Cliffs, in May and July and on Telscombe Tye in June.

The incident on the Tye resulted in the deaths of three ewes and two lambs.

PC David Tourell said: “This is an offence that we take very seriously.

“The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible, keeping their animals on leads around livestock and ensuring that they are under control at all times.

“Unfortunately, it only takes a single irresponsible or careless dog owner to create havoc among livestock, often with devastating consequences for the animals and for owners.

“Offenders will be prosecuted and it is quite possible that if found guilty, their dogs will be ordered to be destroyed.

“Nobody involved wanted that to happen in this case, but I would urge people to really think about what could happen if they don’t keep their dogs under control.”

See the latest news headlines from The Argus:

More news from The Argus

Follow @brightonargus

The Argus: Daily Echo on Facebook - facebook.com/southerndailyecho Like us on Facebook

The Argus: Google+ Add us to your circles on Google+