Dog owners are being reminded to take precautions to prevent livestock worrying and protect animal welfare during lambing season.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said livestock worrying remains a serious issue for farmers, causing harm to animals and creating disruption on farms.
They said owners must keep their dogs under control, especially near farmland, by using leads and ensuring pets cannot stray from homes or gardens.
Farmers are also encouraged to regularly check their stock, maintain secure boundaries to deter access by dogs, and communicate with neighbouring farms if loose dogs are sighted.
Both DAERA and the UFU said any incident of livestock worrying should be reported promptly to the council dog warden for investigation.
Livestock
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said livestock worrying can have “devastating consequences for animals and causes significant distress to farmer families”.
“The law is clear. It is a criminal offence to allow a dog onto land containing livestock unless that dog is under control.
“Where a dog worries livestock by attacking, killing or chasing animals in a way that causes injury, suffering or financial loss to their owner, the person in charge of that dog may face prosecution.
“Simple actions make a real difference. Keeping dogs on a lead, ensuring they cannot stray from homes or gardens, and taking steps to manage their behaviour around livestock are all essential,” he added.
Dog owners
UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan, said lambing season is already one of the most demanding times of the year for sheep farmers in Northern Ireland.
“To then discover dead or severely injured animals because a dog has been allowed to roam is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“The financial impact is significant. A recent NFU Mutual report highlights a £152,000 cost to farmers in 2025 due to livestock losses in these cases.
“However, the true cost goes far beyond the financial figure. There is the emotional toll on farm families, the trauma inflicted on livestock, and the lasting impact on flock performance to factor in.
“There can be no ambiguity about where responsibility lies. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence, and dog owners have a legal duty to ensure their pets are controlled at all times.
“Too many people still believe their dog would never chase or harm livestock. The reality is that any dog, regardless of breed, size or temperament, can cause serious damage.
“Even without physical contact, the stress of being chased can result in pregnant ewes aborting lambs or young lambs becoming separated and dying,” he said.
The UFU deputy president said that the message to dog owners is “simple and unequivocal”.
“If you are walking anywhere near livestock, your dog must be on a lead and under control. Not just when you think there is a risk. At all times.
“Preventing livestock worrying is entirely within the control of dog owners, and there is no excuse for failing to act responsibly,” McLenaghan said.
