Everyone just needs to realise that Sheep know when farmers dogs are chasing them. they enjoy being rounded up. This does not stress them in any way. They also get pinned down and shaved with noisy clippers. But actually they find it quite relaxing. They also get hauled about in noisy camped trailers. But Sheep dont mind this. They end up in slaughter houses where they are humanely slaughtered using massive jolts of electricity. Its all very serene.

Just, whatever you do.... Do not allow YOUR dog near them. They might keel over and die.

I feel sorry for the child whose pet has died, but agree with the farmer. Irresponsible dog owners, who allow dogs to escape and allow them to run free should be fined. Last year a bulldog ran after my child into his own house. Frightening my child who now has a fear of dogs. Once an animal has the taste for killing and blood its twice as likely to kill again, sheep, child, cat. If that was my income and life stock which is probably in season this time of year, I would have shot the dog also.

@Doglover - "If the farmer came into my garden frightening my animals and kids I wouldnt be allowed to shoot him" how can you compare the 2 scenarios, Townies again not respecting or understanding how rural rules work! If the someone came into your garden scaring your animals and children you would call the police who would be there in minutes because human life is vauled, and quite rightly, more than that of an animal. therefore your point is completely invalid!!
If you own a dog you MUST control it, the law is on the farmers side as is should be!!

I completely understand the fact that it is very upsetting and distressing for the family who have lost their dog but farmers have legal rights to shoot any dog that is on their land and this would not be the law if there was a reason, farmers are farmers because they love the lifestyle and their animals and so for anyone saying they do not care you are WRONG!! im from a farming background myself, and you protect you livestock in any way in which you can as they are your way of life. You were not there at the time and collies are bred to round up sheep, if not trained properly they could do so and injure the animals.

I'm of the opinion the farmer did not try hard enough to coerce the dog away from the sheep; it wasn't a wild dog and as such with a little more effort I'm certain the dog have come away from worrying his flock. Being quick with the trigger has been levelled at not only farmers but also at police officers too with the dire consequences of unnecessary death. I hope this sad loss of much loved pet to the family-owners will serve as a lesson to all of us.

Thoughts with your daughter, what a heartbreaking thing to have to go through. Not that a pet dying is ever easy, but to have been shot by someone must be really disturbing and it makes for sad reading.

So the Jury is out, it is the farmers fault that he found a dog in the field where he keeps his sheep.
Dogs like children need to be looked after and even if we think he wouldn't hurt a lamb, we don't really know what they will do left to their own devices.
Just a thought, I would suggest all dog lovers and responsible owners who think the farmer is at fault, put "dog kills sheep" in the search on this site. There are many cases through the last few years and across the county of dogs worrying, savaging and killing sheep and lambs. There is one case in Grange reported by the evening mail 07 April 2012, where 14 lambs were killed and another 7 seriously injured. At least 2 dogs shot for worrying or attacking sheep. The usual comments made by responsible dog owners, are they the same responsible owners who think it is okay to allow their dogs to foul everywhere and leave it there. Just in Barrow the amount of dog fouling is appalling, are they worried about kids then. Just think before you make comments about something when you don't know the facts

We Farm, sheep dogs can worry sheep. We have had to put one of our own dogs down for going off and 'playing with sheep as I think this lady is surgesting her dog was doing' she is at fault. she let her dog run free. why did she not know where the dog was ? Sounds like it might have had a play before she was lucky that time.
I feel sorry for the farmer having to put up with all this crap when the owner is playing the upset child card ! If you dont like country laws Move in to the town !!

The owner of the dog should find out the 'exact' location where the dog was shot, then post the GoogleEarth map reference on this comments page.

My poor dog would never hurt a sheep boo hoo hoo,nonsense, yes it will all dogs will chase and kill sheep!!!!