Owners told to keep their pets under control Devastating effect of dog attacks on livestock revealed

Farmers are left counting the emotional and financial cost as dog attacks on livestock continue to take their toll.

In the south east alone, animals worth more than £400,000 have been mauled by dogs over the past four years.

The problem causes particular concern during lambing season, which runs from January to April.

Among those affected is Verity Garrett, of Elbridge Farm in Littlebourne, who was left devastated when nine of her sheep were killed in November. Since then, there have been two further attacks.

“It is an increasing trend,” she explains. “The first attack was by far the most serious in terms of numbers of sheep lost and just the carnage we found.

“Two loose dogs got into the field with a group of ewes and killed several.

“A couple were so badly injured, they had to be put to sleep and others we had to nurse back to health.

“We never found where the dogs came from or why they were roaming free in the middle of the night. We lost a four figure sum in money terms, as well as the emotional loss.

“Everyone should enjoy the countryside and everyone needs to get out more, but it is just about being responsible.

“It is about keeping your dog on the lead no matter how much you think you can trust it - I don’t think any dog can be trusted 100%.”

Known as livestock worrying, dog attacks on farm animals can result in horrific and often fatal injuries.

Even if a dog doesn’t make contact, the distress of the chase can cause sheep to die and miscarry their lambs.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual has launched a campaign urging dog owners to keep their pets under control.

Although research shows more owners are putting their pets on leads when livestock is nearby, the insurer says it is concerned by reports many attacks are being caused by dogs which have been let out in gardens.

Spokesman Rebecca Davidson said: “For small farmers in particular, livestock worrying is devastating because it has a huge impact on their livelihood.

“While insurance can cover the cost of replacing stock killed and the treatment of injured animals, there is a knock-on effect on breeding programmes that can take years to overcome.”

n It’s quite depressing to read Gardner Digs et al bemoaning the recent climate change demonstration.

It’s was absolutely splendid to see the students take issue with this and quite right to take time out, regardless of what their head teachers and Theresa May say.

Still, I’ve no doubt if the ‘Common Sense’ party had their way they would’ve locked them all up and given them a jolly good thrashing.