The escalating problems caused by livestock worrying have been highlighted at an All Party Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW) in London.
The APGAW heard from farmers, landowners, local government, police and dog charities on what has been done to tackle and prevent dog attacks on livestock, with a view to establishing best practise as a way to reduce the number of attacks.
One of the groups that attended the meeting, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), stressed that in order to protect farm businesses from severe financial and emotional stress, it is imperative that improved public awareness is coupled with central recording of incidences, tighter regulation and better enforcement.
Speaking after the meeting, Elwyn Probert the FUW’s Livestock Committee Vice Chairman, who farms on the eastern borders of the Brecon Beacons National Park, said: “Unfortunately despite significant industry investment, the public are still not fully aware of their dog's ability to attack, injure or kill livestock.
“Furthermore, there is currently no central recording of dog attacks on livestock, which means that the true impact is still unknown and it is likely that many incidents go unreported.”
'Financial loss'
Earlier this year, the FUW provided evidence to MP’s at the House of Lords on the emotional and financial losses that occur following a dog attack on livestock.
Losses due to livestock worrying can be in the tens of thousands of pounds and have even rendered some businesses financially unviable.
Mr Probert continued: “Business losses include loss of stock, production decreases due to stress, abortions and the loss of future earnings from stock. These costs can be significant and are coupled with insurance costs, veterinary bills and carcase disposal.
“The FUW continues to encourage members of the public to keep dogs on a lead near livestock and will use the information gained from the recent APGAW to further its work in this area.”
Last year, more than 100 sheep were killed in a dog attack described as the UK's worst case of sheep-worrying in living memory.
