16 MARCH 1956, Page 26

Country Life

BY IAN NIALL LAMBING is in full swing again and with the season comes the annual outcry about sheep- worrying dogs. Shepherds become incensed when ewes are found torn and mutilated, but the story is such an old one that we have become used to it. 1 think that there is some chance that the thing may become even worse in years to come if responsibility for the con- trol of dogs on the highway is placed upon their owners by law. It seems to me that people who are prepared to turn their dogs loose to avoid paying for a licence will be even more ready to disown thetn. This aban- doning of dogs and even cats is a peculiar aspect of the behaviour of a people who are supposed to he fond of and even sentimental about their pets.