Livestock worrying is still an issue, however, numbers are decreasing

The NFU Mutual’s new survey of 1,136 dog owners found that 57% let their dogs off lead in the countryside but, worryingly, only 40% admitted their pet always comes back when recalled.

43% believed their dog was capable of causing the death or injury of livestock, up by 11% compared to the previous year’s survey.

And if present at an attack, just over half would intervene to stop it, while 20% would tell a local farmer and 17% would call the police.

Nine in 10 people said they would welcome tougher legislation on livestock worrying in England and Wales.

It comes as a new Bill improving powers available to police for dealing with dog attacks on livestock is making its way through Parliament.

NFU Mutual said it welcomes the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, because it will support existing efforts to reduce these incidents.

READ MORE: Wiltshire: Sheep bitten by dog prompts police appeal

Lambing season underway

Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist, said: “It is encouraging to see the estimated cost of livestock worrying fall in 2024, following NFU Mutual campaigning alongside industry efforts to increase awareness among dog owners.

“But as lambing season gets underway, a time of year when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable, it is important that dog owners do not get complacent.

“Farmers across the UK are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath. Anecdotally, we’ve heard of many incidents where dogs have injured and killed sheep, and the owner is powerless to stop it or is nowhere to be seen.

“Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to dog attacks on livestock; regardless of size, breed or temperament, all dogs are capable of chasing, injuring and killing farm animals. It is vital dog owners act responsibly and keep their pets on leads wherever livestock may be nearby to prevent these needless attacks.”

Ms Binns added that it is crucial people accept responsibility for their dog if there is an incident and report it, to a local farmer and the police, so that any injured animals are not left suffering in pain.

READ MORE: Pregnant sheep enters water after being pursued by four dogs 

READ MORE: Dog owner fined after dogs killed 15 sheep 

‘Keep the momentum’

Rob Taylor, the UK Police NPCC lead for livestock attacks, said that the current figures are encouraging.

“They are showing that we are heading in the right direction with the fall here in Wales and across the UK, although we have to keep the momentum in raising awareness with dog owners of this problem and remain focused.

“There is no simple solution to resolving these horrendous attacks, but we have put in place several workstreams looking at various areas of concern, and with our partner agencies, I really believe we are starting to see a difference,” he added.

In England, the Midlands was the worst-hit region by cost, with dog attacks on livestock costing an estimated £452,000, followed by the South West, costing an estimated £225,000.

Advice for dog owners

With many dog owners planning to visit the countryside at a time when sheep and lambs are at their most vulnerable, NFU Mutual is calling for them to:

• Keep dogs on a lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept, but let go of the lead if chased by cattle.

• Be aware that all dogs, regardless of size, breed, and temperament, can cause the distress, injury and death of farm animals.

• Report attacks by dogs to the police or local farmers.

• Never let dogs loose unsupervised in gardens near livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs that escape and attack sheep grazing nearby.

Read more rural crime news.