Sheep attacks surge as Covid lockdown eases
Police warn dogs may suffer ‘separation anxiety’
RURAL crime officers have blamed a surge in livestock attacks on the separation anxiety felt by dogs as their owners return to work after lockdown.
In a week when eight ewes were mauled to death by a dog in Gwynedd, North Wales Police has urged dog owners to make sure their homes and gardens are secure before they resume their jobs.
Demand for dogs soared during lockdown, with find-a-puppy searches rising 166% on Google and 187% on the Kennel Club website.
It’s thought that people with spare time on their hands viewed the lockdown as the perfect time to buy a puppy.
The Dogs Trust fears behavioural problems could now worsen as owners resume their busy lives.
Rob Taylor, of the North Wales rural crime team, believes the trend is behind a “huge upsurge” in the number of attacks on sheep in recent weeks.
“It’s right across the force area,” he said.
“We’ve seen reports of more people buying dogs during lockdown for company, and with people now going back to work, possibly these dogs aren’t getting the walks and attention they were previously getting.
“We know that over 75% of livestock attacks are caused by dogs that have escaped from premises when the owner isn’t present, and sadly we are starting to see this trend rise again.”
In the latest incident PCSO Rhys Evans was called to a farm field between Efailnewydd and Llannor, near Pwllheli.
He was met by the “horrific sight” of eight ewes lying bloodied and lifeless on the grass.
“There was wool all over the field where the dog, or dogs, had attacked the livestock,” he said.
The Dogs Trust fears worse may be to come as dog owners lose their jobs in the financial fall-out from the Covid-19 crisis.
Many may be left facing hard choices, as happened after the financial crash of 2008 when dog abandonment and euthanasia rose by 25%.
The canine charity estimates up to 40,000 more dogs could be abandoned in the coming year.
“The sad reality is that in times of financial hardship many people struggle to cope with looking after their pets,” said chief executive Owen Sharp.
Livestock attacks in North Wales dipped slightly early in the lockdown as most people observed calls to stay at home.
In recent week incidents have risen again: in mid July a ewe was mauled to death near Holland Arms, Gaerwen.
Following an attack on sheep on Holy Island, Anglesey, two Alsatians were put to sleep.
This should serve as a warning to all dog owners, said Mr Taylor.
“If you are a dog owner, please act responsibly,” he said.
“Make sure your boundaries are secure and, if you’re out and about, make sure your dog is under close control or on a lead.
“These things are vital – otherwise you are going to end up in court or losing your dog.”