Western Morning News (Saturday)
Farmers’ fury as dog attacks on sheep soar
FARMERS have been hit by a dramatic rise in dog attacks on their sheep during the past year leaving them feeling “anxious, angry and upset” – and often seriously out of pocket.
More than two thirds of farmers responding to the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) annual survey said they had experienced an increase in problems with dogs chasing and attacking flocks.
Coronavirus lockdowns and more people taking exercise in the countryside, along with more dog ownership, is thought to be behind the rise.
ADRAMATIC rise in sheep worrying attacks by dogs during the past year has left farmers feeling “anxious, angry and upset”.
The troubling finding comes as more than two thirds of farmers responding to the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) latest annual survey said they had experienced an increase in problems with dogs chasing and attacking flocks.
Receiving a record-breaking response, the statistics show that on average, each respondent dealt with seven cases of sheep worrying in the last 12 months – resulting in five sheep injured and two killed per attack.
Estimated financial losses of up to £50,000 were recorded, with an average across the 616 farmers who took part of £1,570. However, most respondents received no or very little compensation.
According to Phil Stocker, chief executive of the NSA, there is “much evidence” to suggest that the increase in dog attacks is as a result of the “various periods of national lockdown”, together with a rise in dog ownership and more people spending time outdoors in the countryside.
He explained: “NSA’s own survey results combined with recently reported figures from industry partners both show a concerning increase in the number of sheep worrying by dogs cases during the past year. The issue is receiving more attention from the media but there is still much work to do to continue the education of the dog owning public to ensure the future safety and welfare of both farmer’s sheep flocks and pet owner’s much loved dogs and this needs to come from strengthened countryside use guidelines and stricter legislation.”
But in addition to the threat to animal welfare and the farmer’s income, the NSA says that perhaps the “most concerning” finding to be taken from the 2021 survey is the effect that sheep worrying is having on the mental wellbeing of the country’s farmers.
Farmers completing the survey reported feelings of anxiety, anger, upset, stress and frustration as a result of attacks on their flocks, with over half (56%) recognising that this was causing a “moderate to severe” impact on their mental health.
And when asked what was the outcome of approaching an owner to put their dog on a lead, 51% said they had received verbal abuse, with 48% ignored and 21% subject to intimidation by the owner. Some 3% experienced physical abuse.
The survey results have been shared as the NSA launches its two-week campaign, #LeadOn, aiming to increase awareness and demonstrate the extent of sheep worrying to the general public.
Mr Stocker added: “The NSA is committed to ensuring the public develops a better understanding of the stress and suffering that any dog, no matter its breed, can cause to sheep by barking, chasing and attacking them. It is a very serious animal welfare issue that puts both sheep and much loved pets at risk.”
Ahead of the May Bank Holiday, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is also urging dog owners to be responsible when visiting the countryside and enjoying over-due staycation breaks this weekend.
Ann Maidment, director of CLA South West, which represents around 5,000 members, said: “It is vital that dog owners understand their responsibilities. All dogs are capable of attacking livestock if they are not under control.
“We’ve recently seen a worrying increase in the number of reports of livestock being attacked or chased by dogs, resulting in either serious injury or fatality.”
It’s a serious animal welfare issue that puts both sheep and much loved pets at risk PHIL STOCKER, NSA