SHEEP FARMERS BLIGHTED BY DOG ATTACKS URGED TO SPEAK UP

Westcountry sheep farmers whose flocks have been subject to devastating dog attacks are being urged to share their experiences by taking part in a new survey.

Over the last decade, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has gathered data from its members across the country on the topic of sheep worrying, a major problem which, based on the latest claims figures, is showing no signs of abating.

According to rural insurer NFU Mutual, South West livestock worth £273,429 were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2022 – making it the second worst affected region by cost in England. Across the UK, dog attacks on farm animals cost an estimated £1.8 million last year.

Fears are that now fully grown ‘pandemic puppies’, which may not have been socialised or trained properly, will be heading out into the countryside as spring arrives and the lambing season is at its peak.

To continue to raise awareness of sheep worrying incidents and find ways of improving education, guidance and cooperation, the NSA is again inviting farmers to contribute to the survey that will remain open until Wednesday, March 15. The organisation hopes to gain an up-to-date insight on their continued severity and impact on the British sheep industry.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the NSA, said: “Sheep farmers across the UK nations are regularly faced with the dreadful consequences of sheep worrying by dogs. Attacks not only compromise animal welfare but also cause great stress, anxiety and financial loss to farmers themselves.

“NSA urges anyone previously affected by this issue to complete this year’s survey. Your contribution helps to create a more accurate representation on the intensity of the issue, critical for NSA when working towards increased understanding of the problem, whether that be from the UK’s dog loving public or the UK Government that decides what legislation regulates the act and punishes those found guilty of allowing attacks to happen.”

The NSA says the launch of its survey is significant as this is an “especially important time” for farmers and their flocks, when many ewes are in the final stages of pregnancy or have young, vulnerable lambs at foot – meaning the risk of miscarriage or mis-mothering due to the stress from a dog attack is increased.

And NFU Mutual’s latest survey of over 1,100 dog owners released this week (Tuesday, February 7) found that despite 64% of owners admitting their dogs chase animals, almost half (46%) believe their dog was not capable of injuring or killing livestock. Nearly two thirds of owners (64%) said they let their dog roam off-lead in the countryside. However, almost four in ten (39%) admitted that their pets do not always come back when called.

“Not only is livestock worrying a criminal offence it is regarded as rural anti-social behaviour. Sadly, incidents of livestock worrying have terrible consequences for the farmer and dog owner and we want to make sure we do all we can to tackle it,” he added.

“You might not think your dog would harm sheep or other livestock by chasing or attacking the animals, until it happens and by then it’s too late.

Our message is to help ‘take the lead’ and keep your dog on a short lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come back when called.”