‘Pandemic puppies’ could be blamed for spike in livestock attacks, NSA says

Livestock attacks pose a serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods and have been an ongoing issue in the industry during recent years. NSA members have confirmed they have seen a worrying rise in attacks on sheep and are increasingly concerned about the safety of their livestock.

In line with this trend are figures released by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), suggesting half of UK vets have seen a rise in clients with concerns about their dogs’ increasingly aggressive behaviour.

According to the 2021 UK Pet Food survey, around 3.2 million households in the UK acquired a dog in the first year of the covid pandemic. So-called ‘pandemic puppy’ owners were also more likely to be first-time dog owners potentially unaware of the risk posed to livestock by dogs who are allowed to run off their lead in the countryside.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker expressed concern over the rising cases of sheep worrying in the UK since the covid pandemic. He said:

“With dog ownership increasing so significantly during the covid pandemic and this latest research from BVA suggesting dog aggression is on rise and dog owners do not know what to do about it, it is no surprise we’re seeing more cases.

“Action must be taken, to educate people about the responsibilities of dog owners and to strengthen both the law and law enforcement around protecting livestock.”

Aggressive behaviour in dogs acquired during the pandemic may stem from owners being unable to socialise their new pets due to lockdown, which is a crucial factor in the development of dogs’ future behaviour.

Concerns over dog behaviour were also highlighted in a People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) survey in 2022. This showed 45% of dog owners had concerns walking their dogs, of which 11% said their dogs are not responding to recall. Moreover, 10% were concerned about their dogs’ behaviour during walks and 6% stated their dog was too strong for them.

Mr Stocker added: “With 29% of the UK population now owning a dog there is little surprise sheep farmers are regularly faced with the distress of sheep worrying attacks.

“As dogs are natural predators they will often follow their instincts to chase sheep if given the opportunity. Chasing and barking as well as physical attacks can be enough to severely distress sheep with often devastating consequences.

“If dogs are kept on a lead and walked at a distance away from sheep the risk is significantly reduced. Farmers appreciate the British public want to enjoy the beautiful countryside while walking their dogs so will be welcomed, but only if they can be responsible and keep their dogs safe, as well as the farmers’ livestock and livelihood.”