Helensburgh dog walker's £1,200 compensation bill for 'sheep worrying'

Steven Flannigan was walking his son’s Newfoundland Rottweiler cross on land at Iona Stables, and the adjoining foreshore between Helensburgh and Ardmore Point, in December last year when the pet attacked a flock of 35 sheep.

Two ewes died as a result of their injuries following the incident, while nine unborn lambs had to be aborted due to the distress caused to pregnant ewes.

Mr Flannigan, of South King Street, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and only realised that the dog, named Bailey, may have been responsible after reading a newspaper article featuring an appeal for information from the police.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Tuesday: “At around 9am on December 4, 2020 the accused was walking his son’s dog with a friend and their dog.

“Half an hour later the dog disappeared from sight for five to ten minutes, before being located in the field next to the railway line. He was tangled in a bramble bush trying to get across the railway line back to the beach.

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“Once untangled they continued with their walk.

“At around 9.30am a van was driving along the A814 and the two males inside witnessed a dog attacking sheep in a field. They attended the farm and spoke with a woman, telling her about what they saw.

“They didn’t leave their details. Police were called and attended immediately. They searched the area for the dog but the search proved negative.

Steven Flannigan was walking the pet near Iona Stables

“The accused read a police appeal in a newspaper article which prompted him to contact police. He stated that although he didn’t see the attack he did believe it was his son’s dog that was responsible.”

Mr Flannigan told police: “I didn’t report it at the time as I wasn’t aware it had happened until I read the newspaper.”

The retired marine electrical engineer, 65, was said to have been unaware of a gap in a fence or wall in the field, which explained how the dog managed to get through to the railway track.

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His solicitor said: “This is his first time in court.

“He was unaware of this gap. He knows the route and has walked it previously. You only walk it once or twice a month because the tide is out.

“It was not his dog but he knew the dog well and he had never had any previous problem.

“He only discovered that there was a gap in the fence when he came back to look.

“It is also important to note that it was him that brought this to the attention of the police.”

Sheriff Frances McCartney commended Flannigan for coming forward, and for apologising - through his solicitor - to the farmer and all concerned.

Taking into account vet bills of £290, the loss of two ewes at £90 each, and nine lambs which had to be aborted, also estimated at £90 each, the total loss suffered by the farmer was £1,260, which Mr Flannigan was ordered to pay back at a rate of £170 per week.