Cost of sheep worrying incidents climbs 30% in UK

Complacency among some dog owners and an inability to control their pets has led to farm animals worth an estimated £2.4m being severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2023, up nearly 30% on the previous year.

The situation has been particularly bad in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the estimated cost of sheep worrying has more than doubled over 2022 levels, to £883,000, £123,000 and £147,000 respectively, according to NFU Mutual estimates.

In England, the South West was the worst-hit region, with dog attacks on livestock costing an estimated £359,000, followed by the Midlands (£331,000).

See also: New anti-sheep worrying bill wins full government support

The latest statistics coincide with publication of rural insurer’s annual survey of 1,100 dog owners, which revealed that more are letting their dogs off the lead in the countryside compared with 2022, despite 49% admitting to not being able to recall their pets.

“We’ve heard reports from farmers about the complacency and naivety of some dog owners, who regularly allow their pets to roam off-lead in the countryside, seemingly unaware of the carnage the dog could cause,” said NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns.

“There have also been incidences where dogs have chased, injured and killed sheep and the owner is nowhere to be seen.

“Farmers are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific and needless suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved dealing with the aftermath.”

Case study

One Derbyshire farmer who suffered the consequences of sheep worrying last Christmas is Jack Simpson, who farms in the Peak District.

A member of the public saw a disturbance in one of Mr Simpson’s fields, grabbed a snow shovel, and managed to fight off the lurcher-type white dog.

Although the dog ran off, it had already killed seven pedigree Dutch Spotted store lambs, and days later one of Mr Simpson’s valuable rams was killed a short distance from the site of the first attack.

Mr Simpson believes that a dog from nearby houses, which is known to have attacked people, is responsible. However, police say there is not enough evidence to prove it.

‘Daily occurrence’ 

Meanwhile, in Wales, rural and wildlife police crime co-ordinator Rob Taylor said his force witnessed the devastating impact of livestock attacks by dogs “on a daily basis”.

“Over several years we have been engaged and worked with the UK government and Defra to seek a new and effective, up-to-date law, to aid police investigations, protect farmers, livestock and ultimately bring those irresponsible dog owners to justice,” he said.

“We are hopeful that a recent private members’ bill will be successful this year.”

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is currently making its way through parliament and, if successful, will give police greater powers to investigate sheep worrying incidents.