Sheep farmers have been urged to take part in an annual survey of livestock worrying to highlight the devastating impact of dog attacks on flocks.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) explained that sheep worrying incidents caused significant welfare concerns for animals and flock keepers.
Last year’s survey revealed:
- Each respondent suffered seven cases of sheep worrying, with an average of five sheep injured and two sheep killed in each attack
- Average losses were £1,570 – the worst financial cost was £50,00 – yet most respondents received no or very little compensation
- Farmers reported anxiety, anger, upset, stress and frustration, with more than half recognising an impact on their mental health
- More than two-thirds (67%) said attacks had increased during the Covid-19 pandemic
- More than half of respondents had experienced abuse or intimidation when asking dog owners to put their pet on a lead
The 2022 survey is open until 25 March and NSA policy officer Sean Riches urges farmers to take part.
The NSA is pressing the government to tighten laws aimed at tackling the issue and needs evidence to add weight to their call.
Recent changes in legislation have been proposed to try and tackle the issue, but the NSA said these failed to contain sufficient deterrents to prevent attacks.
The organisation has called for an increased need for dog-owner education to reinforce the unpredictable behaviour of even a well-trained dog.
“As a nation of animal lovers, it is difficult to comprehend how these devastating attacks are allowed to continue,�? Mr Riches said.
“This is a serious welfare issue, where sheep are regularly subjected to threats by dogs who chase and cause physical harm.�?
Horrific attacks
Among incidents since the previous survey was an attack near Warminster, Wiltshire, where 16 ewes died. Two of the ewes were killed directly by the dog after suffering fatal bite wounds.
The remaining 14 were so badly panicked they died from crush injuries as they flocked together in a bid to escape the dog. The value of the in-lamb ewes was put at £200 a head, resulting in a total bill faced by the flock keeper of £3,200.
Crush injuries were also to blame for a similar attack in Wales, earlier in 2021. A Monmouthshire farmer discovered 50 of his ewes had been chased into the corner of a field and killed during a horrific dog attack.
The attack prompted an investigation by Gwent Police, which called on farmers to report all attacks on livestock to help bring more dog owners to justice.
More information
The NSA has dedicated content and advice on sheep worrying.
The 2022 survey is also available through the NSA website.
