The National Sheep Association (NSA) has issued a warning to holidaymakers across the UK to be careful of their pets around livestock.
With the fine weather this summer, more people will be visiting the UK countryside, which poses a risk of sheep worrying by dogs.
The NSA are warning people of the dangers that can occur if dogs are being walked in country areas without a lead, particularly if they come across grazing livestock.
Sheep attacks
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker highlighted how sheep farmers continue to experience their flocks being attacked by dogs that are either let off the leash or stray from their home.
Stocker said: “It is every dog’s instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient. Chasing of sheep by dogs, termed ‘sheep worrying’, can do serious damage through stress and injury.
“Many sheep fleeing from dogs are often killed or seriously injured by their panicked attempts to escape. The loss of sheep can be deeply distressing to farmers, causing ongoing worry and also significant financial losses.”
The chief executive pleaded for dog walkers to be responsible and keep their pets on a lead in areas where sheep may be grazing.
Stocker said many owners consider their dogs obedient and incapable of causing physical injury, however, they can change quickly when around livestock.
He added that barking can also cause stress to sheep, and it can also lead to a physical attack, which causes pain and suffering to the sheep and, in a worst case scenario, death.
Consequences
The NSA have warned the public that any dog owners whose dogs are found responsible for a sheep attack will face consequences.
NSA policy manager Nicola Noble explained how the Dogs (Protection of Livestock)(Amendment) bill has passed through the first stage of the House of Commons.
Noble said: “This bill enhances the authority of the police to act in cases of livestock worrying and also expands the range of locations where offences can occur to include roads and public paths.”
Noble said with wider protection available, the bill will increase the maximum of penalties for the owners of dogs that attack sheep.
The NSA also advised farmers to erect signage to warn dog walkers of sheep nearby, offering free signs to NSA members.
