West Sussex dog walkers urged to avoid "traumatic" attacks on livestock
The National Farmers' Union says there has been a rise in attacks during the pandemic
Dog walkers are being urged to help keep livestock safe following a rise in reported attacks across West Sussex during the pandemic.
The NFU says cases have been on the rise in the last couple of years as the number of dog owners in the region have increased, and even more have been reported since last March due to more people visiting the countryside for exercise.
As we approach lambing season, Oliver Rubinstein, who looks after livestock farmers for the NFU, explained there can be devastating consequences even without physical injuries.
He said:
"At this time of year a lot of sheep will be pregnant, so even if they're not killed or seriously injured, the stress of being chased by a dog is more than enough to make them abort and lose their baby.
"It's a really serious issue and unfortunately it is getting worse across the country."
Sussex Police are investigating a number of incidents already this year at Steyning, Hassocks, Pett Level, Burwash and Funtington.
As well as being potentially fatal for animals, the impact of experiences like these can take a toll on farmers' mental health.
Oliver continued:
"Having worked with farmers who have experienced those kinds of sheep attacks, it's incredibly traumatic. These as not 'nice' injuries that these sheep are sustaining, it is really vicious."
The NFU thinks the increase in incidents is a result of people being unable to take part in activities they usually would before the pandemic, and instead visiting the countryside.
Oliver continued:
"New dog owners, or perhaps people who wouldn't normally be out in the countryside, might not have as much of an understanding about their responsibility and the risk that their dog poses.
"If you're around livestock with your dog, please make sure it's on a lead. It's really important and can save the lives of many animals."