South Yorkshire Times, December 23, 1932

“Lovable” Dog

Caught Worrying Sheep

On Tuesday a Thurnscoe miner, Harold Smith, was charged with having a dangerous dog and allowing it out without name or collar and without a licence.

William Clark, farmer, Clayton, said that at 1.10 p.m. on November 17th he saw two dogs worrying 28 sheep in a field. All except one suddenly ran away, going on to land of three neighbouring farms. The one sheep was so harassed that its hindquarters were wedged in the hedge. The dogs pulled wool from its front quarters and somehow one of its hips had been put out.

P.c. Sclater gave evidence of seeing the offence and of catching one of the dogs. He traced the ownership to Smith, who said he would have it destroyed. Witness did not receive notification of this and interviewed defendant again later, when defendant said he had sent the dog to London but did not know the name of the new owner.

Defendant, on oath, said the dog went to his house about six weeks ago and insisted on staying. He reported the matter to the police who told him to turn the dog out. “I thought it was a wrong thing to do and so my wife and myself decided to try and find the owner.” He did so, and the owner gave the dog to defendant’s wife. They were waiting until the new year for taking out the licence. The dog was not dangerous, but he had given the dog to a neighbour since he was reported.

The Rev. J. E. Edwards, of Thurnscoe, said the dog first belonged to him, About the middle of October the dog was missing and he reported it to the police. “The dog is named ‘Jack,’ and he is thoroughly loved by all children. He is not dangerous.”

Smith was ordered to keep the dog under control, pay 13s. 6. costs, and was also fined 11s. on the two other charges.