missyburd

What breed of dog do you have Matt? We live out in the country and always keep our Alsatian on the lead except at 4.30 in the morning when he gets a good run on the recreation fields. You can't risk it with some breeds, in most farmers' eyes, large dogs like Alsatians are a menace wherever they are and if they see one loose they will not hesitate to shoot. Hence why we don't take the risk, most of our country walks go through fields with livestock in, he's ALWAYS by my side where I have control and it's clear from a distance he's with me.

How the farmer behaved towards you was bang out of order but he has a point and although the way you reacted was understandable in the circumstances, unfortunately it won't, as people have mentioned, have helped your case whatsoever if you were to report it. When it's your word against his and your dog off the lead it doesn't look good regardless of what actually happened. Really sorry this has happened but at least dog and owner have come away unscathed. Angry farmers are not to be messed with!