Find the Facts About Dog Attacks on Sheep
FARMERS who have experienced dog attacks on their sheep – and those who have escaped the problem – have been asked to add their stories to the National Sheep Association’s latest survey.
As part of its ongoing work to highlight the “serious and devastating” problem of dog-worried sheep, the NSA has launched its annual survey of the subject, aimed at obtaining up-to-date information on the severity and current impact on the sector.
The association invites all UK sheep farmers, whether they have encountered problems with worrying sheep or not, to contribute to the investigation, which will be launched by March 25, by visiting www.sheepworrying.org. uk
NSA Policy and Technical Officer Sean Riches said, “The NSA receives calls from distressed sheep farmers who have experienced attacks on their flocks on a very regular basis.
“As a nation of animal lovers, it is difficult to understand how these devastating attacks can continue. This is a serious welfare issue, where sheep are regularly threatened by hunting dogs and cause physical damage.
Read more: Speak out on dog attacks on livestock
The 2022 survey is launched at a particularly important time for UK sheep flocks, when many ewes are in the final stages of gestation or have vulnerable young lambs on foot, increasing the risk of miscarriage or poor maternity due to the stress of a disturbing sheep attack.
Recent changes to the law have been proposed to try to address the problem in England, but the NSA said they did not go far enough and did not contain enough deterrents to prevent attacks from occurring. While in Scotland legislation has been tightened, the NSA still believes there is an increased need for dog owner education.