Cumbrian farmer urging owners to keep dogs on leads over the bank holiday
John Longmire said he is worried about 'sheep worryings'
A farmer in Cumbria is urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads whilst on walks in the countryside this bank holiday weekend.
John Longmire told us he was worried about 'sheep worryings'.
What is a 'sheep worrying'?
A 'sheep worrying' is when serious damage is caused to livestock because they have been attacked or chased by a dog.
The National Sheep Association says it is a criminal offence and farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering sheep.
The stress of being chased by a dog can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes can miscarry their lambs.
What's the NFU stance
John Longmire has a farm in Cumbria where he keeps cattle, but is also the chairman of the county's farming union, NFU. He said this time of year is a concern for him:
"We're up in the fells now where lambing is starting to get going. The lake district is in the full flow of lambing and there's going to be lots of people walking about this weekend.
"When a sheep worrying incident happens of course there's the financial aspect. It's not just about that though. These lambs are part of your whole business and you've cared for them.
"It just causes unnecessary stress on a farmer when they are busy enough.
"A farmer is at full rights, when he sees a dog chasing his lambs or sheep, to shoot that dog."