Dog attacks becoming more severe, sheep worrying survey reveals

A survey by the National Sheep Association (NSA) on sheep worrying by dogs has revealed that attacks are not only persisting in frequency, but are becoming more severe with greater levels of injuries.

The NSA is urging the public to take responsibility and encouraging farmers to keep reporting incidents.

See also: Bill to tackle livestock worrying moves forward

The survey, which had 89 responses, highlighted that 4% had experienced between 10 and 30 livestock attacks in the past 12 months, with the remainder reporting between one and 10 incidents over the same time period.

While almost all respondents experienced a dog attack on their sheep flocks in the past year, farmers also reported an average of four sheep deaths a year due to worrying, while one respondent reported 44 sheep killed in a single attack.

NSA project manager Nicola Noble said: “Dog owners often assume their beloved pet could not be capable of causing harm to other animals, yet it is an instinctive response of a dog to chase, and for some, attack prey animals such as sheep.

“Barking, chasing and physical attacks can all have devastating effects on sheep, especially at this time of the year when so many sheep in the fields are heavily pregnant or have young, vulnerable lambs at foot.”

The survey further highlighted that 78% respondents said the main cause of sheep worrying was dogs not being on a lead, a theme repeated through previous surveys.

Abuse from owners

The survey found that farmers frequently experience verbal abuse when asking dog owners to put their dogs on the lead.

Worryingly, confrontations seem to be more aggressive on the part of dog owners than in previous years.

“Pet owner reactions are usually not out of ignorance, but there can be a lack of understanding, as well as a lack of concern and a natural pushback at being told what to do,” said Mrs Noble.

The advice to farmers is to “keep yourself safe”.

Rob Taylor, Wales rural and wildlife police crime co-ordinator, said: “First of all, make yourself safe and walk away from the situation. If there is threat to life or injury, call 999 straight away.”

To help gather evidence, he added: “If you get the opportunity, use your mobile phone and a get a photograph or a video of the person, or even the car, if it doesn’t antagonise the situation.”

Legislative changes

With the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill currently making its way through parliament, survey respondents said additional powers could not be introduced soon enough and there was an urgent need for additional police powers.

More than half felt that increased fines, punishments and seizure powers would reduce sheep worrying incidents.

“We’re urging the government to provide a firm timeline and confirmation that this vital legislation will be delivered without further delay,” said NFU livestock board chair David Barton.

“We need the big stick, and it needs to get to a point where people are prosecuted in a similar way to people driving while using their mobile phones,” added Rob Taylor.

NSA reporting tool

To help gain a more accurate picture of the number of sheep worrying incidents by dogs, the NSA has launched a new online logging service for sheep farmers across the UK to report cases.

NSA communications manager Katie James said: “Although it is not a legal obligation to report cases, NSA is urging farmers to use its new service, as well as making reports to the police to get a better and more accurate record of cases and their locations,”