Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Hi everyone - i'm new to the forum and so i hope i have posted in the correct place as i need some advice? I have 3 dogs (working cocker, cairn terrier & rottweiler). My working cocker and cairn have both caught rabbits whilst out on our walks and my question is; what's the law on this? ie; am i in trouble? My dogs LOVE and LIVE to sniff out critters - most the time they catch nothing but get a bloody good chase and its a joy to see them being natural and loving life. On a few occassions (rotty excluded as she's too slow lol) they have caught a few rabbits, a few hares and a few pigeons. As far as i'm concerned its a darn good meal for them and natural but i'm clueless with regard to the law on this and would really appreciate some help from the experts on this forum. Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
paulus 26 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Hi everyone - i'm new to the forum and so i hope i have posted in the correct place as i need some advice? I have 3 dogs (working cocker, cairn terrier & rottweiler). My working cocker and cairn have both caught rabbits whilst out on our walks and my question is; what's the law on this? ie; am i in trouble? My dogs LOVE and LIVE to sniff out critters - most the time they catch nothing but get a bloody good chase and its a joy to see them being natural and loving life. On a few occassions (rotty excluded as she's too slow lol) they have caught a few rabbits, a few hares and a few pigeons. As far as i'm concerned its a darn good meal for them and natural but i'm clueless with regard to the law on this and would really appreciate some help from the experts on this forum. Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! a bit of reading for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunting_Act_2004 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wig887 88 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 you'll probably get twelve months but don't worry you'll be out in six. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Catcher 1 639 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Been there a few times.I play dumb.Call in the dogs and walk away. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 you'll probably get twelve months but don't worry you'll be out in six. lol i could do with a holiday and will save a fortune on utilities lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Been there a few times.I play dumb.Call in the dogs and walk away. That's pretty much my strategy so far...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moll. 1,770 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! You have no defense. You do not have permission to kill the rabbits in those areas. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Hi everyone - i'm new to the forum and so i hope i have posted in the correct place as i need some advice? I have 3 dogs (working cocker, cairn terrier & rottweiler). My working cocker and cairn have both caught rabbits whilst out on our walks and my question is; what's the law on this? ie; am i in trouble? My dogs LOVE and LIVE to sniff out critters - most the time they catch nothing but get a bloody good chase and its a joy to see them being natural and loving life. On a few occassions (rotty excluded as she's too slow lol) they have caught a few rabbits, a few hares and a few pigeons. As far as i'm concerned its a darn good meal for them and natural but i'm clueless with regard to the law on this and would really appreciate some help from the experts on this forum. Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! a bit of reading for you: http://en.wikipedia....unting_Act_2004 Thanks. Read all this stuff but it isn't aimed at my situation. I'm just a dog walker whose dogs run after a critter in the forest. These things happen, i can't be the only one! The law is too flippin complicated lol. THink i'll just hide in the trees until its safe to come out again lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! You have no defense. You do not have permission to kill the rabbits in those areas. excellent - show me the section of law that says that cos that's precisely what i'm looking for, thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moll. 1,770 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! You have no defense. You do not have permission to kill the rabbits in those areas. excellent - show me the section of law that says that cos that's precisely what i'm looking for, thanks! The law does not write down all variables. Quite simple really....you have to prove your innocence. You knowingly allow your uncontrolled dogs to be unleashed in areas you know they may chase and/or kill rabbits. It is against the law to kill rabbits in places you do not have permission to do so.....simples 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rake aboot 4,936 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Yup. Unless you have permission you are breaking a law. Someone has to see you , and then make a complaint though, otherwise ,,fill yer boots. I`d love to see a Cairn catch a rabbit, lol Hope you eat the rabbits, and don`t give the dog a row ! hahaha 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
1Wally 204 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Your a bona fide poacher! Welcome to the community and atb. Wally. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Malt 379 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Just to let you know where the 'killings' took place as i'm sure that may make all the difference...a couple of times rabbits were caught by the dogs at a local golf course (evening when no golfers were about) and the golf course is municipal not private so dog walkers 'sneak' on regularly. The other location is at a local massive windfarm (to be precise in the small part of the forest where the wind farm doesn't impose) so theres rarely any people there and an ideal place for my dogs. Its nothing but forest and moorland for miles. I'm worried if someone ever saw my dogs kill a fluffy bunny and confronted me - i wouldn't know what to say in my defence as i'm not sure it's "defendable" - can anyone advise/help? Thanks so much! You have no defense. You do not have permission to kill the rabbits in those areas. excellent - show me the section of law that says that cos that's precisely what i'm looking for, thanks! The law does not write down all variables. Quite simple really....you have to prove your innocence. You knowingly allow your uncontrolled dogs to be unleashed in areas you know they may chase and/or kill rabbits. It is against the law to kill rabbits in places you do not have permission to do so.....simples Spot on Moll. Basically, killing any animal with dogs is illegal in England and Wales. Rabbits and rats are the only exemptions but only if you have permission to do so from the landowner who owns the land. The definition of landowner also extends to someone who rents the land, as far as I'm aware. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Yup. Unless you have permission you are breaking a law. Someone has to see you , and then make a complaint though, otherwise ,,fill yer boots. I`d love to see a Cairn catch a rabbit, lol Hope you eat the rabbits, and don`t give the dog a row ! hahaha The cairn has caught 2...a couple o shakes and its good night rabbit! Yes i let them eat them, no point in wasting it but like i say, i'm not intentionally hunting so just wasn't sure on the law. A lot of dog walkers must find their dogs take off after a critter, FENTON anyone? lol. Just wanted to know the situation thats all. Cheers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tania Welsh 3 Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Your a bona fide poacher! Welcome to the community and atb. Wally. cheers wally :-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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