Derbyshire woman banned from taking dogs onto farmland after sheep attack
22nd September 2025
A woman from Willington, Derbyshire, has been banned for a year from taking dogs onto agricultural land after her dog attacked and injured 25 sheep.
Demi Leigh James was convicted of worrying livestock after her dog was involved in a protracted, frenzied attack on 25 ewes.
Derbyshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team joined forces with the Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to investigate the crime, which took place in October 2024.
The woman was found guilty of worrying livestock by Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court. She was fined £60, made to pay court costs of £620 and a victim surcharge of £24. She is now forbidden from taking any dog on agricultural land for the next 12 months.
‘Dog owners must be mindful of livestock in fields’
PC Hall from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team, speaking about the sheep worrying attack, said: “This incident was deeply upsetting and resulted in considerable harm to sheep near a canal tow path, close to the village of Willington.
“By working with Officer Bob from the local safer neighbourhood team, we were able to identify the woman, leading to her being charged and successfully prosecuted at court. The incident could have been avoided if the owner had taken precautions to keep the animal on a lead. Dog owners must be mindful of livestock in fields when walking animals in the countryside.”
READ MORE: Three farmers compensated over £11k following dogs attack on sheep
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