The National Farmers Union (NFU) has told MPs and Peers at Parliament that livestock worrying remains a 'major concern' for the industry.
Farmer and NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe explained the concerns at the APPG Animal Welfare meeting at the House of Lords.
Mr Sercombe outlined how irresponsible dog ownership could have a devastating effect on farmers; livestock, businesses and families.
After the meeting, he said said: “We were pleased to be representing farmers’ views at the APPG meeting.
“Livestock worrying is a major concern for our members, from the suffering that is caused to their animals, the stress and upset for the families and the high costs associated with it.
“As part of our Love Your Countryside campaign, we have been working with various organisations such as the Kennel Club and Natural England to provide guidance to the wider community about the need to keep dogs under control.”
Closing legal loopholes
Mr Sercombe added that the NFU and its members would welcome the new initiative set out by North Yorkshire Police – aimed at closing legal loopholes against dog attacks.
“We are fully behind the initiative launched by North Yorkshire police and hope it can identify areas where the law is insufficient and ultimately make sure the police have the tools to address livestock worrying; and to introduce penalties that deter irresponsible dog ownership,” he said.
Mr Sercombe added that he believed there was a big issue with under-reporting of the problem and urged farmers to report incidents to police – and for police, in turn, to take them seriously.
Stress and anxiety
Livestock worrying has led some farmers to warn walkers that they will shoot any loose dog which poses a risk to their livestock.
Sheep worrying is causing around 85% of affected farmers to experience elevated levels of anxiety and stress, a survey conducted by the National Sheep Association (NSA) says.
In worst case of sheep worrying in recent history happened in Gloucestershire, when more than 100 sheep were killed in a dog attacked, with polcie describing it as the UK's worst case of sheep-worrying in living memory.
Sussex Police said the sheep, many of them pregnant, had been herded into a tight group against a fence and gate bordering woodland
