Urgent appeal to Rutland dog owners, after spate in attacks on livestock
The NFU's put out a plea to dog owners to keep control of their pets, as lambing season gets underway
The National Farmers Union has put out an urgent plea to dog owners in Rutland as lambing season gets underway, after a spate in attacks on livestock.
The NFU in Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire is working with police to urge pet owners to obey the Countryside Code, and ensure dogs are kept under control.
According to the NFU, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire (LNR) farmers are reporting a significant rise in incidents on their land.
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has said dog attacks on livestock in the Midlands cost an estimated £331,000 last year, up almost 6% from 2022.
Harriet Ranson, LNR NFU county adviser, said: “Dog attacks on livestock are horrific and have a massive impact on the animal welfare of farm businesses, both practically but also emotionally for a farming family.
“Hundreds of sheep and cattle die as a result of injuries caused by dogs every year and these incidents cause distress for farmers and their livestock.
“People find it hard to believe that their pet can be a danger to livestock but whatever their temperament, breed or size, all dogs have a chase instinct that can be triggered by the sight or movement of prey, in this case farm animals.
“This can result in catastrophic injuries by either direct contact or as a result of flight taking the animals into water or seeing them ‘pack’ into corners where they suffocate each other in panic.
“The great animal loving LNR public would be horrified to see what damage an uncontrolled dog can do.
“We recognise the vast majority of dog owners are responsible but urge people to keep dogs under strict control and on leads at all times when near to farms – especially those with livestock in the fields.”
When animals are badly injured it often leads to them having to be put down (euthanised) by a vet.
Sgt Rob Cross, of Leicestershire Rural Policing Team, said: “Over the last few months we have seen a marked increase in livestock attacks and worrying offences.
“While there have been prosecutions and positive outcomes in Leicestershire, we would rather not have reports to investigate in the first place.
“Nationally, Operation Recall aims to harness best practice in addressing such reports and includes education in schools, vets and with new dog owners.
“The overarching message is a simple one and it is keep your dog on a lead and under control around livestock.”
The most recent NFU Mutual data shows that, nationally, the claims costs of dog attacks on farm animals rose to more than £1.8m in 2022.