Sad news in December 19
On Tuesday 3rd. December a shooting party of five with their large dogs were out on the hillside beyond the river Clwyd just opposite my cottage. We hadn't had any warning of the shoot so my pet hens and guinea fowl were out and about as usual but mainly near the front doorstep hoping for treats. As the shoot was on the opposite side of the river I hoped they were safe from guns and dogs.
Just before dark I put my oldest hens away for the night and as I came down towards the house there was absolute mayhem. Barking, shouting, screeching and my favourite little hen limping passed me followed by one of the large dogs. I then saw an enormous pile of feathers. This all happened in seconds. My partner had caught the dog and put him in our porch. The group leader who is known to me helped find the mauled chicken, it was barely alive and we placed it in her little house. I asked the said leader why had they crossed over the river and come down the track where he knew we had hens & guineas.
He blamed the dogs, saying they had seen the chickens and given chase. The dogs were completely out of control and were not responding to orders given. I asked if the shoot was over why were they not on leads as he knew about my flock One of the group was only concerned about the welfare of his dog. (Who was still still in our porch, quite happy) Once we freed his dog he did say he would cover any costs occurred.
Well I brought the little hen into our house and she died the following day. The group leader never contacted me yesterday to ask if the hen recovered or if all the others had returned after taking off in fright. Some are still missing and could be dead. Even more unbelievable is that yesterday they were back on the hillside shooting again and even after this traumatic incident the group leader hadn't once again warned me.
I don't want compensation which is just as well as the killer dog's owner didn't leave any contact number. The dogs were no way to blame but the disrespect and blatant irresponsibility of the group ought to be addressed. The group I presume were shooting pheasants and Woodcocks. The latter being a beautiful bird and the species is in decline.
No one expects an incident like this to take place just outside their home on their private property. I can forgive a fox killing hens but not groups like the above. Please click Tufty. The sequel for futher information.
Isabel Stewart
U3A Ruthin & Berwyn Backyard Chicken Group.