'This could be the final straw': Rutland farmer's plea after sharp rise in dog attacks
Dog attacks on livestock are estimated to have cost farmers nearly £2.5 million last year, according to NFU Mutual
A rural insurer is calling on dog owners in Peterborough, Stamford and Rutland to play their part in reducing the number of attacks on livestock, by keeping their pets on leads when in the countryside.
A new report, by NFU Mutual, has found dog attacks on livestock increased by nearly 30% last year, costing farmers across the UK £2.4 million.
Andrew Brown, who owns farmland and livestock in Rutland, said:
'On top of everything else, this could be almost the final straw.'
'It is so distressing to think these animals that you've reared and looked after for several years are being basically destroyed by reckless dog owners.'
He added: 'If these attacks are on the increase, then we need to do something that actually makes people think about what they're doing with their dogs when they let them loose.'
'There is a certain amount of education that is needed because people tend to treat the countryside and farmland a bit like it's a theme park, when of course it's a working environment where people are raising animals and making a living.'
"Farmers are also living in fear of repeat attacks"
Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual’s Rural Affairs Specialist, said:
“It's incredibly alarming news for farmers, especially as the 2024 lambing season gets underway and pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable.
“We’ve heard reports from farmers about the complacency and naivety of some dog owners who regularly allow their pets to roam off-lead in the countryside, seemingly unaware of the carnage the dog could cause, then are horrified when an attack happens.
“There have also been incidences where dogs have chased, injured and killed sheep and the owner is nowhere to be seen.
“Farmers are also living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific and needless suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved dealing with the aftermath.
“All dogs are capable of chasing, attacking and killing farm animals, regardless of breed, size or temperament.
What has their research found?
The insurers survey of over 1,100 dog owners found that nearly 70% were letting their furry friends off their leads in the countryside in 2023.
While more than half- feeling they didn't need to actively stop their dog from chasing livestock, they came across.
If present at an attack, 57% of dog owners would intervene to stop it, 22% would report it to a local farmer and 11% would call the police.
What's the Government said?
The Government say they're backing a bill by Suffolk MP Therese Coffey to give the Police greater powers to investigate and tackle attacks on livestock.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is making its way through Parliament and currently at the Committee stage.