Heathfield woman sentenced for prolific livestock worrying

A woman who repeatedly failed to keep her dogs under control, including around livestock, has been convicted at court.

Livia Morvay, 65, of Station Road, Heathfield, was sentenced at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 15 August for livestock worrying and nine breaches of her Community Protection Notice.

An investigation by Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team began in 2020 after members of the local community reported multiple incidents of Morvay’s dogs being out of control.

In total, there were 27 reports of her dogs worrying livestock, knocking people over, and chasing other dogs.

Morvay was arrested and charged with livestock worrying on three separate occasions and issued with a Community Protection Warning and a Community Protection Notice.

These required Morvay to ensure her dogs wore a muzzle when being walked in public, however she continued to breach the conditions of these orders.

In August, Morvay was convicted of nine breaches of the Community Protection Notice and fined £600 for each breach, totalling £5,400. She was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to one of the victims and £190 to the court.

Morvay was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prevents her from keeping or controlling any dog for five years. If caught doing so, she could be arrested and face a prison sentence of up to five years.

Sergeant Jon Attfield, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “This case is a reminder of the importance of responsible dog ownership.

“Morvay’s actions caused significant harm to the agricultural and rural community, to other dog owners and to members of the public.

“She did not take responsibility for her dogs, repeatedly ignoring the requirements of orders imposed by the court, and she has now been fined and banned as a result.

“We hope this sends a message to any other irresponsible dog owners that police and the courts will take action against those who fail to keep their dogs under control.”