The ARDO Blog

Dog Training is Key — Dartmoor's Livestock Protection Officer Speaks Out

25 March 2026

25 March 2026By Jamie Penrith

Excellent and honest piece here from Dartmoor’s Livestock Protection Officer, Karla McKechnie.

Karla echoes here what we have been saying for years: the key to stopping dogs from worrying, chasing, attacking or killing livestock such as sheep is stronger dog training.

Karla is absolutely right. With years and years of experience attending attacks on livestock animals by dogs on and around Dartmoor National Park, stronger legislation is not going to change things.

The Association of Responsible Dog Owners remain absolutely committed to spearheading shareholder awareness and education in this area.

By working with the farming sector, rural crime teams and DEFRA, rather than pushing against one another as per the past 70 years, we believe that we can bring about effective reductions in attacks, and significant increases in education and responsible dog ownership.

As Featured In

Dog Training ‘Key’ to Protecting Moor Livestock | Tavistock Today

Dartmoor officer urges responsible dog ownership before setting out to enjoy the moors

Read Full Article

Article Screenshots

Dog training key to protecting moor livestock — Tavistock Today header
Karla McKechnie article — opening paragraphs
Karla McKechnie article — quotes and conclusion