Public text alerts to farmers could help animals in danger

A new phone line that allows the public to instantly alert farmers if they spot a problem with their livestock is up and running across the UK.

Livestock Lookout, developed by Isle of Wight farmer Tim Rogers, is intended to help farmers respond more quickly to dog attacks and injured or escaped livestock.

See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… sheep worrying

The technology means the public can be extra eyes and ears for farmers, by sending a “Help” text message to the phone number that is displayed on a sign in the field, along with a unique location number.

Staff will ask the person for the site number and whether it is an emergency. The farmer will then receive a text message with the details or, in a genuine emergency, a phone call for even faster results.

While providing an early alert, the system also means the farmer’s identity remains anonymous, as there is no interaction directly with the person making the report.

Effective warning

Mr Rogers, who farms about 100ha in Wootton on the Isle of Wight, said he thought of the idea after a cow escaped from land he had rented to a tenant.

“The first we knew of it was via a post my wife Danielle came across on Facebook,” Mr Rogers said. “By then it had become quite a serious incident. The cow had knocked someone over – thankfully they were not hurt too badly – and had damaged a car.

“After that, we put up a sign giving our contact number in case there were any future problems. But all that did was generate unwanted phone calls from people wanting to use our land for anything from metal detecting and camping to motocross.

“It was clear we needed a more effective early warning system that also kept our own personal details anonymous – and that is exactly what Livestock Lookout does.”

The hotline runs 24/7 throughout the year, and costs start from £8 per month for a minimum 12-month period.

Mr Rogers has launched the service across the UK after successful trials on the Isle of Wight.

Sheep welfare

Isle of Wight livestock farmer Matt Legge said the technology was helping him with the welfare of his sheep, which are spread across the 121ha he manages.

“We have a particular issue at the moment with ravens, which can attack a sheep within 20 minutes of it turning on to its back, so a quick response to incidents like that is essential,” said Mr Legge.

Stephen Russell, policy and advocacy officer for the Ramblers, said the service would give walkers an easy way to help farmers.

“Walkers can play a vital role as the eyes and ears of the countryside.

“This service has the potential to bring together the farming community, for whom the countryside is a working environment, and the public, who are keen to get outdoors and connect with nature – to protect and improve rural green spaces for everyone.”