Warning to prevent dog attacks on farm animals this Easter
Visitors to the countryside are being urged to keep their dogs on the lead during this 'critical period'
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging owners to keep their dogs under control to prevent attacks on livestock this Easter.
South West sheep farmers are bracing themselves for an influx of countryside dog walkers this weekend for the Bank Holiday break.
Now is a critical time for farmers as the spring lambing period is well underway, meaning ewes and new born lambs are often grazing close to footpaths - putting them at risk of dog attacks.
Many farm animals are seriously injured or killed each year in dog attacks and the issue of livestock worrying cost the region an estimated £185,000 last year, according to NFU Mutual statistics.
Across the UK, the cost of dog attacks rose by over 10% in 2020 to an estimated £1.3 million.
Richard and Marilyn Tucker farm is on the most southerly tip of Devon near Kingsbridge, farming their Pedigree Aberdeen Angus beef herd, as well as 400-600 store lambs which they buy in the autumn and finish in the spring.
Livestock worrying has been an ongoing problem since they started farming this land independently over 10 years ago and they've experienced horrific repeated cases of dogs chasing their lambs over the edge of the cliff.
They are surrounded by the sea on three sides, with the South West Coast Path going around the edge of the farm. Being in an area that attracts some of the highest visitor numbers in the county, they are familiar with the coastal footpath frequently being used by both local people and tourists.
"We walk out to the cliffs every day to check on stock. The amount of people that do not have their dogs on a lead is incredibly alarming - it has got to the point where I personally thank the dog owners that are using a lead! It is a constant battle with people to educate them - attitudes need to change.
"It's not just the loss of income which affects the business, it is absolutely devastating for us to see the livestock we raise being pushed over the edge. Especially as this could be prevented if dog walkers simply used a lead!"
Marilyn Tucker
When these incidents occur, they are often not being reported back to the farmer, as Marilyn explains:
"You only know when an incident like this has happened when you see that the numbers of stock have decreased. We have only had a livestock worrying case reported to us once before by the dog owner.
"Normally by the time we get there to intervene, it is too late and the dog and owner are long gone. However, at least we were aware that the incident had occurred."
According to a survey of dog owners commissioned by NFU Mutual, 88% of people say they now walk their dog in the countryside. The pandemic has seen a surge in pet ownership and countryside visitors, and there are concerns some will be unfamiliar with the Countryside Code and how their pet may react around livestock.
"These attacks cause an immense amount of suffering to animals and are devastating for farmers to have to deal with."
"Even if a dog doesn't make contact with a sheep it can still cause terrible distress to the animal.
"These incidents are all so easily preventable if owners keep their dogs under control, either on a lead or secure when they're in gardens, when livestock may be nearby. With warmer weather on the way, it's not surprising that more people will be wanting to get out and about and enjoy the countryside. It's vital that dog owners take those small steps that can save a lot of heartache and upset."
Roz Hills - South West Regional Manager at NFU Mutual
Walkers are also being urged to report any incidents of livestock worrying they may witness.
The 'What3Words' app can be used to pinpoint your exact location, so you can report where you have seen an incident to within a 3m x 3m area. Attacks can leave livestock with painful injuries, so prompt and accurate information could save animals hours of suffering.
Alarmingly, only 18% of those surveyed said they would call the police if they saw a dog chasing or attacking livestock and only 15% would report it to the farmer.
During 2020 over 300 animals were killed or injured in dog attacks across Devon and Cornwall.
Devon and Cornwall Police say if you do witness an attack on livestock, to not intervene. Keep yourself safe and call 999. For all other livestock worrying incidents please email 101@dc.police.uk or report crime online.
To make dog walking safe, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:
- Always keep dogs on the lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle
- Be aware that even small lap dogs can chase, injure and kill farm animals
- Take special care to keep close control of dogs unused to farm animals
- Report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to the police or local farmers
- Don't let dogs loose and unsupervised in gardens adjoining livestock fields - many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby
Advice on preventing dogs attacking livestock is available from NFU Mutual's website.