Farmers’ Union of Wales representatives attended Crufts dog show last week in order to join forces with like-minded organisations to reiterate the severe welfare and financial implications of dog attacks on livestock.
FUW Education and Training Committee Chairman Alun Edwards said: “The issue of livestock worrying has gained media prominence over the last few months and remains a significant issue for our members.
“We hope to maintain the momentum given to this issue and by working with organisations which also represent members of the public, we hope to reach even greater numbers of dog walkers with our message.”
The FUW has joined forces with several organisations, including the Kennel Club and SheepWatch, to remind the public that all dogs have the potential to attack livestock.
The Union’s Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright, said: “According to our loss adjustors, over the last 12 months the average payout due to fatal sheep worrying was just under £3,500; with one claim of over £10,000.
“These values represent fatal injury losses only and do not include the losses caused when livestock are stressed during and after a chase. Such losses include failure to conceive, abortion and even death from shock.
“Alongside the obvious important welfare implications, this demonstrates the severe financial losses experienced by our farmers at a time when farm margins are tight.”
The FUW continues to promote the benefits of the Welsh countryside and the work undertaken by the farming sector to maintain and preserve this special environment.
However, the risks to heavily pregnant ewes and lambs is significant at this time of year and the Union therefore continues to urge dog walkers to keep their dogs on a lead in the vicinity of livestock.
Further promotional and campaign activities are planned and the FUW will continue to work on this issue in order to bring about a reduction in the number of livestock attacks.
