A dog owner whose pet was caught worrying sheep has been fined £100.

Nicola Bennell, 56, of Swinbrook, near Burford, admitted being an owner of a dog worrying livestock when she appeared before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (February 9).

Her dog got into a field of grazing sheep at Potters Hill Farm, Langley, on December 9 last year and chased the flock.

The magistrates ordered she pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £40 victim surcharge.

The unusual charge, which followed an investigation by Thames Valley Police’s still relatively new rural crime taskforce, was brought under the 1953 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act.  

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

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