Warning: you may find the images of the sheep’s injuries distressing
Another dog attack on sheep at lambing time has brought the issue of sheep worrying into sharp focus for the country's farmers.
Rad Thomas, who farms at Quorn, Leicestershire, has lost three heavily pregnant ewes and three more have aborted their unborn lambs after a dog was seen savaging his animals on Wednesday (29 March).
This follows recent livestock worrying incidents including two sheep dying after a dog attack in Cumbria on 1 April and several sheep dying after being attacked by dogs in Northumberland on 20 March.
Mr Thomas told his story: “My shepherd actually saw the dog savaging one of my sheep as he made his usual checks on Wednesday morning. He managed to chase the dog away from the sheep on his quad bike and saw the dog run back to its owner on a footpath about 300 yards away.
“I am greatly saddened by what has happened: it was an unprecedented and savage attack on my heavily pregnant flock – we are about two thirds of the way through lambing our 170 ewes.
“The dog got into the field where the remaining pregnant ewes are grazing and chased them, catching and savaging three so badly that two had to be euthanised and another has since died. Three more ewes were so badly shocked that they aborted their lambs.
“We don’t know what the effects of the attack will be on the other ewes – it is the worst possible time for a dog attack.”
'Further abortions'
Mr Thomas immediately consulted his vet about the attack on his sheep; he is particularly worried about the health of his remaining pregnant ewes and their unborn lambs.
He continued: “My vet has said that it is highly likely that there will be further abortions in the flock: the severe shock the animals have suffered means that there will almost certainly be more effects of this savage attack.
“In his advice to me, my vet has also said that it is almost inevitable that this dog will attempt to attack sheep again; it is its predatory instinct to chase livestock and on a future walk or perhaps after escaping from its home, it will repeat this behaviour.
“Muzzling the dog will not prevent it chasing sheep again and as with my flock, significant damage and death could happen again. My vet advises that in severe cases like this, euthanasia of the dog may need to be considered to prevent further attacks.”
'Shocked and concerned'
NFU’s county adviser, Simon Fisher said that he is 'shocked and concerned' that this dog owner did not have control of their animal whilst out walking.
“Farmers and the NFU repeatedly warn that it is particularly important for dogs to be kept on leads whilst out walking in the countryside, especially at lambing time. Now another farmer has to count the cost of a dog attack and face the awful sight of dead sheep and aborted lambs.
“Our urgent call to all dog owners is to keep your family pet under close control, whether you are near livestock or not. This incident shows that even if you are on a footpath away from livestock, your dog can get away from you and kill and maim sheep.”
NFU and the whole farming industry have urged dog owners to take control of their animals.
The incidences of sheep worrying are increasing and a recent report from rural insurer, NFU Mutual, shows that the reported cost of dog attacks on livestock rose by nearly 50 per cent across the UK in 2016. The total cost to the industry is estimated at £1.4m.
Walkers are asked to keep dogs under control at all times when near livestock. Even the most friendly and mild-mannered dog, of whatever breed or size, can attack livestock.
'Dogs can turn into killers'
Simon Fisher concludes: “Dogs can turn into killers, so please keep them by your side when you’re walking in the countryside.
“Even if you can’t see sheep or other livestock, they may be in a nearby field and your dog could run off and be amongst them in seconds. And at night, make sure your dog is with you and can’t escape. Dogs are a huge danger if they’re loose in the countryside, especially at lambing time.
“The awful injuries suffered by Mr Thomas’s sheep are totally unacceptable: they were caused pain and suffering and considerable stress unnecessarily. All this is easily avoided by keeping your dog on a lead when walking in the countryside.”
