The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched a new survey which aims to gain insight into the severity and impact of sheep worrying by dogs on the UK’s sheep industry.
Sheep worrying occurs when a dog(s) chases and/or physically attacks sheep, causing significant stress to sheep among other more devastating consequences, including the miscarriage of lambs, physical injury and in many cases, death of the animal(s) affected.
As part of its ongoing research and continued efforts to raise awareness of the issue among farmers and dog owners alike, NSA is inviting British sheep farmers to contribute to the new survey, which will remain open on its website from now until February 21.
Sheep worrying
NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker said: “Sheep farmers across the UK nations are regularly faced with the dreadful consequences of sheep worrying by dogs.
“Attacks not only compromise animal welfare but also cause great stress, anxiety and financial loss to farmers themselves.
“NSA urges anyone previously affected by this issue to complete this year’s survey.
“Your contribution helps to create a more accurate representation on the intensity of the matter, critical for NSA when is working towards increased understanding of the problem, whether that be amongst the dog owning population or those responsible for legislating on this devastating issue.”
Last year’s NSA survey of more than 300 sheep farmers, found that:
- 70% of its respondents had experienced a sheep worrying attack in the past 12 months;
- 95% of respondents experienced up to 10 cases/year;
- An average of three sheep deaths reported each year due to a dog attacks.
This also does not take into account production losses in sheep, including miscarriage, which was reported by almost 70% of last year’s respondents.
Sheep worrying became a criminal offence in 1953 under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act, and the dog owner responsible can be found liable for damages and punished with a fine of up to £1000.
According to the government, the number of livestock affected by sheep worrying in England and Wales has doubled since the introduction of the act, with more people visiting the countryside.
The subsequent Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, which was introduced under Sunak’s government and is now currently under the review of the new labour government, seeks to increase penalties and police powers around livestock worrying.
This bill would enable police to respond to livestock worrying incidents more effectively – making it easier for them to collect evidence and, in the most serious cases, seize and detain dogs to reduce the risk of further attacks.
It would also protect camelids like alpacas and llamas.
