Dog owner ordered to keep his pet under control

A dog owner from Ramsey has been ordered to keep his dog under control after it mauled a lamb.

58-year-old Timothy Paul Byrne, of May Hill, appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday. 

He admitted allowing his Irish wolfhound to cause danger or nuisance to livestock on April 14th.

Police were called to a public footpath above Crossags Farm after a witness observed the dog chasing a sheep and two lambs which had escaped out of a nearby field. 

The dog picked up one of the lambs in its mouth and caused puncture wounds to its body; Magistrates were told it has since made a full recovery.

Byrne's advocate told the court there was no suggestion the dog had behaved in a similar manner before and said his client was happy to pay compensation to the farmer.

Magistrates imposed a Control Order which means the dog must be kept under control at all times - they also ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £50.