Dorset dog attack warning as estimated cost of farm animals savaged is revealed

It comes as the pandemic sees a surge in pet ownership and countryside visitors.

There is growing concerns the spring lockdown will see an influx of walkers unfamiliar with the countryside code and unaware of how their new dogs will behave around livestock

Sheep farmers are particularly under stress as they enter the peak lambing period when pregnant ewes and new born lambs are vulnerable to attack.

NFU Mutual statistics estimate dog attacks on farm animals in the south west cost over £185,000 in 2020.

And a survey of dog owners commissioned by the insurer reveals that 64% of dog owners are letting their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half of owners surveyed admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

The research revealed that 42% of dog owners have been walking their pets more often in the countryside during the pandemic, and that 81% of survey respondents have noticed more people exercising their pets in rural areas.

“With more people walking in the countryside as Covid restrictions continue and an increase in dog ownership, we have seen horrific attacks resulting in large numbers of sheep being killed and a trail of horrific injuries,” said Roz Hills, South West Regional Manager at NFU Mutual.

“These attacks cause unbearable suffering to farm animals as well as huge anxiety for farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath.

“It’s a critical time in the farming calendar and there is widespread concern as we enter the peak lambing season, that there will be a surge in new visitors who are simply unaware of the countryside code or how their dog will behave around farm animals.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s so important for people’s wellbeing. It’s vital that dog owners act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead at all times whenever there is a possibility livestock are nearby.”

She added: “Even if a dog doesn’t make physical contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause sheep to die or miscarry their lambs. It’s important that owners realise that all dog breeds,

not just the big, fierce looking ones, are capable of attacking livestock, or chasing them.”

Tom Balchin, Rural Engagement Officer for Dorset Police, said: ‘We urge dog owners to be responsible when walking their dogs in rural areas. The trauma caused to animals and their owners by livestock worrying can be considerable. It is quite easy to prevent this type of incident just by following the guidelines provided by the NFU.

"We have livestock worrying signs available free to farmers who are members of our Farm Watch scheme by emailing: ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk with their name, address and quantity of signs (max 4 per address) required.”

In 2020, the UK cost of dog attacks on livestock reached an estimated £1.3m - an overall increase of over 10%. The worst-affected region by cost was the North East, where farm animals worth £240,000

were savaged by dogs. The next most seriously-affected areas were the Midlands, South West and Wales.

With lambing season approaching and many more people planning to walk in the countryside - including those with new lockdown puppies - NFU Mutual is calling for dog owners to keep their pets

under control at all times.

To make dog walking safe, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:

*Always keep dogs on the lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle

*Be aware that even small dogs can chase, injure and kill farm animals

* Take special care to keep close control of dogs unused to farm animals

* Report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to the police or local farmers

* Don’t let dogs loose and unsupervised in gardens adjoining livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby

Advice on preventing dogs attacking livestock is available from www.nfumutual.co.uk/news-and-stories/preventing-dog-attacks-on-farm-animals/