'Horrendous attacks': Dog owners warned as lambing season approaches

Dog attacks have caused a great deal of emotional stress and financial cost to sheep farmers around the country
Dog attacks have caused a great deal of emotional stress and financial cost to sheep farmers around the country

With the traditional lambing season approaching and reports of dog attacks on sheep increasing, the National Sheep Association (NSA) and RSPCA are urging dog owners to take care.

Every year sheep are killed, maimed and miscarry because of being chased and attacked by dogs.

It is a serious animal welfare concern and has also caused a great deal of emotional stress and financial cost to sheep farmers around the country.

"A growing number of our members continue to tell us of some horrendous attacks they have suffered to their livestock," said Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive.

"It is not only the harrowing injuries which out of control dogs have inflicted, but also the losses they have suffered as a result of dogs simply chasing livestock.

"The risk of heavily pregnant ewes aborting is extremely high after suffering the stress of been chased by dogs, not to mention the risk of young lambs becoming separated from their mother at a critical early bonding stage.

"Lambs will die from starvation or hypothermia when they become separated from their mother and fail to find her again."

'Absolutely horrific'

NSA has been collecting evidence of sheep worrying incidents for several years now, with case after case highlighting the damage a pet can inflict when it is left unsupervised.

Tony Woodley, RSPCA Inspector, said: "No dog owner sets out on a walk to hurt sheep but sadly that is what can happen if the dog is allowed to run loose around livestock.

"Many dogs, if given the opportunity, will chase or show interest in livestock so even if your pet is normally calm, gentle, obedient and docile, don’t be complacent; they can be still be a danger.

"The aftermath of these attacks can be absolutely horrific – sheep with their ears ripped off, their legs bitten down to the bone and their throats torn open. D og owners should also remember that they could be prosecuted and their dog could be shot dead if they are caught worrying sheep."

Both NSA and RSPCA want to reiterate to dog owners that there is there is a very simple way to stop these attacks – keep your dog on a lead around livestock.