Prevent sheep deaths by keeping dogs on leads

NFU Cymru is appealing to dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads near livestock following two separate incidents in two weeks.

NFU Cymru wants people to know that thousands of sheep and cattle die as a result of injuries caused by dogs every year. This warning comes at a time when ewes are in lamb and likely to abort if chased by dogs.

Last month NFU Cymru member Aled Roberts, Bryn Cynhadledd, Llanbedr y Cennin, Conwy, who rents land in Denbighshire, was faced with the distressing aftermath of dog attacks on his flock. 14 ewes were killed, another one was so badly injured that she was put down and four other ewes were treated by the vet, police are investigating allegations that the damage was caused by two Rotweiler dogs.

Following the incident, Mr Roberts said, "In this incident my ewes suffered unnecessary suffering which could have been prevented if dog owners took responsibility and kept their dogs on leads whilst walking their dogs on farm land.

"We’re approaching the time of year when ewes will be lambing across Wales and if ewes are worried at this time of year they can abort their lambs. Dog owners may view their pet chasing sheep as a minor incident - but it has major consequences for animal welfare and farmers’ livelihoods."

NFU Cymru Deputy President Ed Bailey said, "Every farmer would sympathise with Mr Roberts. It must have been horrific to discover this scene of utter carnage. This kind of thing happens all too often and we appeal to all dog owners to keep their animals under control."

"We will shortly be entering the peak lambing season and we urge all dog owners to keep an eye on their pets and to put them on a lead if they are walking them through fields where there are sheep. The chances are that the ewes are heavily pregnant and if a dog scares them they could easily abort their lambs."

Farmers can obtain free, durable signs from their local NFU Cymru office or by calling NFU CallFirst on 0870 8458458 to erect near footpaths. Available in Welsh or English they read, ’Even your dog can scare or harm farm animals. Please put it on a lead near livestock’.