Farmer shoots XL Bully dogs in 'horrifying' footage

The distressing incident where a farmer was forced to shoot two XL bullies after they killed and harmed dozens of his sheep, was caught on camera.

The dogs had got into the sheep's pen at Paul Jones' farm last year in Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham, resulting in the death of twenty-two pregnant sheep, and dozens more were severely injured. When North Wales Police finally arrived at the scene, with specialised arms officers still being 25 miles away, Mr Jones felt compelled to intervene.

The ordeal was recorded on the body cams of the police who were filming for S4C's latest series of Y Llinell Las. The footage shows Mr Jones informing the police that approximately 15 sheep were already dead and 110 were trapped in the pen with the rampaging dogs, all whilst grasping a shotgun.

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A conversation ensued amongst the officers with one querying, "He's allowed to kill them, isn't he?". Another officer provided reassurance stating it was "more than lawful" for Mr Jones to shoot the dogs, reports North Wales Live.

Worried for his safety, Mr Jones told to the officers: "These dogs will come out and they're going to come at me.". Subsequently, armed with his shotgun, he goes into the barn and shoots the dogs.

In the footage, the barking of dogs is succeeded by the echoing sound of a gunshot. An officer then asks, "Are they both dead? ", but Mr Jones responds with: "No they're not, they're still moving."

One terrified officer, fleeing from the scene, exclaimed: "Still moving? It's there, it's coming at us" followed by the booming sound of another gunshot.

The farmer, when asked about his feelings post-incident, said: "I've had to shoot dogs before, but it is just the upset of this." A police officer's bodycam footage showcased the shocking aftermath of the dog attack, with numerous sheep slaughtered and others severely injured.

Mr Jones disclosed to the BBC that he was still attempting to accept the "horrifying" attack. He expressed relief that it was him, rather than a family member, who encountered the dogs.

He said: "Everyone who attended that day, it affected. They threw those sheep around like they were paper."

The owner of the attacking dogs pleaded guilty to having a dangerously out-of-control dog and for owning a dog causing worry to livestock. This person received a five-year ban from owning dogs and a £900 fine.

Sheep attacks occur weekly in North Wales, claims Iwan Owen, an experienced member of the Rural Crime Team. The farmer in question had roughly £14,000 worth of livestock decimated by the incident.

The debut episode of Y Llinell Las' new series aired on S4C at 9pm on Tuesday, May 14, and can be viewed on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.

The North Wales Police have a dedicated unit to deal with rural crimes, due to the vast agricultural landscape of the area. This theme was explored in the S4C programme following the responses of the unit to various incidents.

Iwan, a member of the team, said: "I'm sure the traffic gang are fed up with people who drink and drive. Well, for us, it's the sheep attacks that happen over and over.

"Why the hell would someone want an XL Bully? I don't understand why would you want a dog like that in a home.

"Think how strong they are, how much damage they can do - it's life-threatening. Farmers are tough guys - they're used to dogs and getting hold of them, but you wouldn't get hold of an XL Bully. There's not much of a chance for you to walk away without being terribly injured."

However, police dogs serve as a pivotal part of the force's operations. PC Sion Parry, an officer with the North Wales Police for over 15 years, had always aspired to work for the Dog Unit.

He said: "I always compare a dog to ten policemen. Sometimes more. People want to fight with policemen, nobody wants to fight with a dog. If you go to someone and tell them to leave and there's a dog salivating and barking - if you're smart, you leave."

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