Sheep worrying by dogs is “spiralling out of control”, survey shows

Despite sheep worrying being a criminal offence in the UK, farmers continue to experience the issue on a regular basis, with sheep being left distressed, injured or even killed following an attack.

In the survey of more than 300 sheep farmers, 70% had experienced a sheep worrying attack in the past 12 months, while 95% of respondents suffered up to 10 cases per year. Moreover, three sheep deaths were reported each year due to a dog attack, which doesn’t take into account production losses such as miscarriage, reported by nearly 70% of respondents.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “(…) One of the most concerning threats to sheep welfare, worrying by dogs, continues to be swept under the carpet. It seems to be an area where resolution is too difficult a challenge to tackle and so, attacks continue with little consequence to those at fault.

“There is a real concern amongst sheep farmers that the situation is spiralling out of control and becoming the norm.

“As reported in the NSA survey, farmers are taking what steps they can to protect their flocks including displaying signs, moving sheep to areas with less public access and working with communities via social media but unfortunately these actions are having little impact in improving the number of sheep worrying incidents,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, 82% of survey respondents strongly agreed that additional actions are necessary to deter dog owners from allowing attacks to happen. While the NSA has welcomed increased powers and fines proposed in the new Kept Animals Bill, it is concerned these will not be sufficient to make a significant impact.

Mr Stocker continued: “The Kept Animals Bill is well behind schedule which is frustrating on one hand but I still don’t believe it is fit for purpose, still not requiring dogs to be on leads when in fields with sheep and suggesting maximum fines for those found guilty being limited to £1000 in England.

“This compares to a recent change of legislation in Scotland that has seen the same crime punishable with up to a £40,000 fine or prison sentence. This disparity must be addressed.

“A lack of punishment and continued varied responses from Police Rural Crime teams is frustrating farmers who are experiencing great upset as well as financial loss because of this issue,” he stressed.

To highlight the terrible impact of livestock worrying as lambing season gathers pace, the NSA is launching its ‘Sheep Worrying by Dogs’ campaign next week (Monday 3^rd of April). NSA communications manager Katie James commented:

“With lengthening daylight hours and a bank holiday weekend just around the corner, many people will want to get out and about to enjoy the beautiful British countryside; they may even look forward to viewing spring lambs in the fields.

“But many will not realise the threat to sheep flocks from dogs walking off the lead. Even the most highly trained pet dog can follow its instincts and chase livestock. To some this may appear like play but to a prey animal such as a sheep it is highly stressful and can have a devastating effect.”

As dog ownership continues to increase in the UK, NSA is reminding all owners to take responsibility and keep their dogs on a lead when walking nearby sheep. Further guidance for dog owners on the issue of sheep worrying is available on the NSA website at www.sheepworrying.org.uk

To view the results of the NSA 2023 Sheep worrying by dogs survey, visit: https://go.nationalsheep.org.uk/2023surveyresults