Japanese Akita ‘fighting dog’ alleged to have killed 11 sheep

Limavady Borough Council are set to take legal action against the owner of a Japanese fighting dog that is alleged to have killed as many as 11 sheep and injured a half a dozen others.
A Union flg flying outside the Limavady Borough Council offices. INLV0113-275KDRA Union flg flying outside the Limavady Borough Council offices. INLV0113-275KDR
A Union flg flying outside the Limavady Borough Council offices. INLV0113-275KDR

Councillors were informed at a recent environmental health meeting of an investigation into complaints of livestock worrying by a Japanese Akita type dog.

A report presented by Environmental Health Manager Jacqueline Glass detailed how, during December 2013, officers working on behalf of the council “investigated a complaint of a sheep having been attacked by a dog.”

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The report states: “The farmer stated that eight sheep had been killed as a result of the attack. The dog alleged to have been involved was a Japanese Akita type. Officers took several photos of the dead sheep and the fields in which they were attacked and visited the house where the dog was alleged to have been kept. The owner was not present but the owners partner enabled the Officer to observe where the dog was kept in the back yard. The Officer also observed a mass of vomit containing animal fat and wool in the yard. The owner’s partner admitted that the Akita dog had just vomited it up. Several photos of the Akita dog and the vomit were taken. During the visit the owner made threats against an investigating officer via telephone and prevented him from carrying out his duties in investigating the incident and the collection of evidence.”

A further two attacks on livestock took place during January, according to the council report: “On 4 January 2014 a further attack took place when two sheep were killed. Witness statements were recorded from the owner of the sheep and his son who both advised of other occasions when the Akita dog was observed straying. Both indicated that they wished Council to take formal action in this matter.”

The council report, which recommended formal action against the owner of the dog, added that there were “eleven sheep dead and six injured per information provided by the farmer.” It also points out that the type of dog involved could pose “a significant risk”. It said: “The dog involved is a Japanese Akita type. From observations of the dead and injured sheep the attacks would appear to have been sustained. The risk and potential risk provided to persons and livestock – the attacks on the sheep have been significant. Japanese Akitas were originally bred as fighting dogs and any straying Akita poses a significant risk to the public and livestock.”

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