Livestock worrying costs fall by 26%, NFU Mutual reveals
© Tim Scrivener The total cost of livestock worrying across the UK has fallen by a quarter to £1.8m, figures from NFU Mutual have revealed.
The decrease from £2.4m in 2023 represents a 26% drop in the cost of injuries or fatalities to farm animals caused by dog attacks.
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, at an estimated £225,000.
See also: Bill to tackle livestock worrying moves forward
Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist, said the figures were encouraging, but urged dog owners not to be complacent.
“Farmers across the UK are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific suffering to livestock,” she said.
“It is vital dog owners act responsibly and keep their pets on leads wherever livestock may be nearby.”
Chris Craven, who farms in East Yorkshire, found 17 sheep dead and the rest of the 120 in-lamb ewes exhausted after being chased by a loose dog.
“Farming is hard enough without losing sheep because owners won’t keep their dogs under control – people don’t seem to realise that dogs chasing sheep can have a huge impact,” said Mr Craven.
Wales sees biggest drop
Wales has seen the biggest reduction in cost from £883,00 in 2023 to £314,000 in 2024, marking a decrease of 64%.
Rob Taylor, Wales’ rural and wildlife crime co-ordinator, who leads on livestock worrying across the country, attributed the improvement to a range of initiatives, including Blue Cross training courses for dog owners, effective rural crime teams, and social media outreach.
“We’re moving in the right direction, but we must maintain momentum in raising awareness among dog owners.
“It’s crucial to promote responsible dog ownership,” he said.
NFU Cymru livestock board chairman Rob Lewis said: “There is still more work to do in driving awareness of this important issues.
“My message to farmers is simple: ensure that you report any livestock worrying incidents, no matter how big or small, to the police.”
Tougher legislation
The survey also revealed that nine in 10 people would welcome tougher legislation on livestock worrying in England and Wales.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is under consideration to strengthen laws regulating dog control in rural areas, with the goal of preventing harm to livestock.