Dog Walkers - keep your pets on a lead around livestock

On average Wiltshire Police receives two reports each month of dogs chasing, injuring or killing sheep and other livestock. We believe this to be under-reported and national figures show that attacks are on the increase.

Only last week, a flock of 24 sheep were chased around a field near to Marlborough by a dog that was out of control and, according to an eyewitness, the owner was nowhere in sight. Fortunately, there were no physical injuries to the sheep on this occasion but there is a concern that some will abort their lambs from being chased.

A survey by the NFU Mutual with 1100 dog owners showed that 66% allow their pets to roam freely off-lead in the countryside, yet 39% admit their dogs do not come back to them when called, and 64% admit their pets chase livestock. These are shocking statistics and of great concern to the farming community.

Wiltshire Police would like to remind people who may be out and about enjoying the wonderful Wiltshire countryside with dogs, it is a sensible precaution to keep them on a lead when livestock are nearby. Almost half (46%) of dog owners in the survey think that their dog would not attack or chase livestock until it happens, and by then it is too late.

Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with sheep or other livestock. This can result in significant injury or suffering and, in the worst cases, death of the animals involved. having devastating consequences for livestock keepers and causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs. It is a criminal offence and can mean the dog owner could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1000, in the most serious case.

The NFU Mutual survey puts the south-west region as having the second highest cost to livestock owners in England at an estimated £273,000 in 2022. With the national rise in the number of cases

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “I am asking dog owners to please be considerate of those farming the land and make sure they keep their pets securely on a lead when they are walking anywhere near farm animals.

“As we move towards the main lambing and calving periods, we are supporting our farming communities with increased social media and public engagement focus to highlight the problem; the risk to animals and our farming communities; to encourage reporting and ask dog walkers to respect the Countryside Code.”

Find out more about livestock worrying and how to report it on the Wiltshire Police website: Livestock Worrying

If you see a dog worrying or attacking livestock please call 999 or report online at Report a Rural Crime or call 101 after an occurrence.