Somerset dog owners urged to use a lead as report reveals the cost of livestock attacks
The calls come as west-country farmers approach lambing season
Dog owners in Somerset are being asked to keep animals on a lead around livestock.
A new report from NFU Mutual reveals farm animals in the South West worth an estimated £225,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024.
The calls come as farmers approach lambing season, with wildlife volunteers in the Quantocks asking all dogs be kept on the lead.
"Farmers really care about their animals," said Andrew Chalk, from NFU Mutual.
"It can be hugely distressing if they see a sheep that may have miscarried, for example, because they've been chased by a dog.
"It may be a minority of dogs that will do this and it is rare but this is no consolation to a farmer who has been impacted, who can be financially hit and scarred for life sometimes."
The data comes as NFU Mutual’s new survey found 57% of dog owners let their pet off lead in the countryside but only 40% admitted they come back when recalled.
Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns said: “As lambing season gets underway, a time of year when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable, it is important that dog owners do not get complacent.
“Farmers across the UK are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath.
"Anecdotally, we’ve heard of many incidents where dogs have injured and killed sheep and the owner is powerless to stop it or is nowhere to be seen.
“Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to dog attacks on livestock; regardless of size, breed or temperament, all dogs are capable of chasing, injuring and killing farm animals.
“It is crucial people accept responsibility for their dog if there is an incident and report it, to a local farmer and the police, so that any injured animals are not left suffering in pain.”
In England, the Midlands was the worst-hit region by cost, with dog attacks on livestock costing an estimated £452,000, followed by the South West, costing an estimated £225,000.