THREE goats have been killed by a dog on Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Tannager Nature Reserve near Compton Dundon, Somerton.
The goats were savagely attacked by a dog which we believe lunged at their faces.
Somerset Wildlife Trust has now banned dogs on this reserve until 1 June 2008.
We have been forced to take these measures after the recent dog attacks.
It is a criminal offence to allow dogs to worry livestock. Any dogs caught worrying livestock will be dealt with in accordance to the law and owners will be prosecuted. Whilst it is a minority of dog owners who act irresponsibility, we ask all visitors to comply with this request.
The owner of the goats has appealed to all dog owners in the area to keep them in at night as this is when the attacks seem to be happening.
Livestock grazing on the Trust’s reserves are the main tool in restoring the downland SSSI nature reserves for biodiversity and species such as the large blue butterfly. They are excellent at eating the brambles and thorns on the reserve which is how we keep the reserve in top condition for wildlife to flourish.
The goats killed were all nanny breeding stock and worth around £200 in total. They are also a pleasure for the visitors to the reserve as they are so friendly. However now these attacks have happened the goats are understandably terrified of dogs.
If you have any information on these attacks please contact Emma Daniel, Reserves Officer on emma.daniel@somersetwildlife.org 01823 652408. Calls will be dealt with in confidence.
