Summer campaign targets livestock attacks in Snowdonia

Dog owners visiting Eryri (Snowdonia) are being warned that a moment of lost control can have devastating consequences for livestock, wildlife and farming families.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) joined Eryri National Park Authority at the start of the school holidays to promote responsible behaviour in the countryside.

The awareness event was held at the foot of the Llanberis Path, one of the busiest walking routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa and among the UK’s most popular hiking trails.

Representatives spoke to hundreds of visitors about keeping dogs under control and the harm they can cause when allowed to chase or attack animals.

The campaign highlighted the continuing impact of dog attacks on farm livestock and other dogs, as well as the threat to ground-nesting birds and other wildlife in Eryri.

Figures previously obtained by the FUW through a Freedom of Information request showed that more than 80 livestock attacks were reported to North Wales Police during 2024.

The union said the figure demonstrated the scale of the problem facing farmers and rural communities.

The campaign follows the introduction of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which became law earlier in 2026.

The legislation gives police stronger powers to investigate livestock worrying. Officers can seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking farm animals and enter premises to secure evidence, including animal DNA.

It also removed the previous £1,000 limit on fines for livestock-worrying offences in England and Wales. Courts can now impose unlimited fines.

The event formed part of Eryri National Park Authority’s “This is My Home” campaign, which asks visitors to respect the landscape, wildlife and farming communities within the national park.

The initiative is supported by the FUW, NFU Cymru, the Country Land and Business Association and North Wales Police.

Simon Llewelyn Roberts, senior warden at Eryri National Park Authority, said the area was home to important wildlife, active farms and grazing livestock.

“Responsible dog ownership plays a vital role in protecting livestock, safeguarding vulnerable ground-nesting birds and preserving this unique landscape for future generations,” he said.

He added: “Simply keeping dogs under close control or preferably on a lead can make a real difference in protecting the people, animals and habitats that make Eryri so special.”

Aled Morgan Hughes, head of communications at the FUW, said livestock attacks often increase during the summer as more people visit the countryside with their dogs.

“Every year we see a spike in devastating dog attacks on livestock during the busy summer months, as more people head into the countryside with their dogs,” he said.

He warned that attacks could leave animals seriously injured or dead, while farmers faced financial losses and lasting emotional distress.

“These incidents place a significant emotional and economic burden on farming families, with livestock suffering serious injury or death and farmers left to deal with the financial losses and lasting distress that follow,” he said.

The FUW welcomed the national park authority’s campaign and said public awareness was essential to preventing attacks before they occurred.

“By simply keeping dogs on a lead and under close control around livestock, visitors can help protect farm animals and wildlife while ensuring everyone can enjoy the Welsh countryside safely and responsibly,” Mr Morgan Hughes said.