Woman, 65, accused of permitting her two canines to kill 35 sheep and injure 14 seems in court docket
A dog owner has denied being in charge of two dangerously out of control pets after 35 sheep were killed and another 14 injured in an attack.
The animals owned by Linda Lawrence, 65, are alleged to have terrorised a flock of sheep on July 18 last year at Assington Green near Stansfield, Suffolk.
Lawrence denied destroying or damaging sheep to the value of £40,000 without lawful excuse, either intentionally or as a result of being reckless, at Ipswich magistrates court on Friday.
She further denied being the owner of two German Shepherd dogs which injured sheep on the same date while dangerously out of control, contrary to the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
Lawrence, who lives in Assington Green, spoke only to confirm her name and address and to plead ‘not guilty’ in a clear voice as she stood in the glass-fronted dock.
Magistrates decided that they could not deal with the matter and committed her to trial at Ipswich Crown Court.
The defendant, who was accompanied at court by family and friends, was released on bail on condition that she did not own, or would be in control or in charge of any dogs.
Linda Lawrence, 65, denies being in charge of two dangerously out of control dogs after 35 sheep were killed and another 14 injured in an attack
The court heard that a third charge of owning a dog which worried livestock at Assington Green on July 18 would be put to her when she appears at crown court later this month.
Prosecutor Sarah Dawes said: ‘On July 18, it is alleged that two dogs belonging to the defendant have essentially attacked and killed a number of sheep. Thirty five sheep were found dead and 14 were injured.
‘The bill for the incident is around £40,000 in relation to the injuries and associated losses to the complainant.’
Ms Dawes said she did not believe the case was suitable for summary trial due ‘to the circumstances and history between the parties’ and the ‘considerable amount’ of compensation being demanded.
Presiding magistrate Christopher Day told Lawrence: ‘You have pleaded not guilty to these charges.
‘We have heard a basic outline of what has gone on and you have heard we have refused jurisdiction as it is too complex for the magistrates court and therefore it’s going to the crown court.’
Lawrence nodded in agreement as Mr Day added: ‘The bail conditions are that you don’t own or be in control or in charge of any dogs. You do understand that don’t you?
The incident is said to have occurred on July 18 last year at Assington Green, near Stansfield, Suffolk
‘If you don’t attend court, a warrant could be issued for your arrest. By the way you have nodded, you are clearly going to make sure you are there.’
Lawrence, who tried to hide herself under a green umbrella as she left court, will appear before Ipswich Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on March 30.
