National initiative Operation Recall asks dog owners to keep dogs under control around livestock

The Operation Recall week of action running nationally from the March 27 to April 3 and is hoping to highlight such issues around livestock worrying with a view to protect livestock and dogs. Wiltshire Police is supporting the operation across the county.

Superintendent Doug Downing, strategic lead for rural crime said: “Weather permitting, we hope that you will be able to get out and enjoy the Wiltshire Countryside this Easter weekend. But please be considerate and keep your dogs under control on a lead when walking anywhere near to livestock.”

“We are in the peak season for lambing and the consequences of having ewes and lambs attacked or chased can have an emotional and serious financial consequence for farmers.

“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.”

In Wiltshire, we have an average of 2 reports of livestock worrying each month and believe that many more go unreported. Please report attacks you see happening.

Kate Salmon, Operation Recall lead for Naturewatch Foundation, said, “The consequences of attacks for all animals involved can be devastating. Some people go out for a walk with their dog, or unknowingly allow their dog to escape their property and return home without their family pet. With more awareness and self-responsibility, people can enjoy their pets, whilst keeping them and livestock safe. We’re calling for everyone to protect their dog and protect livestock.”

The RSPCA’s advice is to keep dogs on leads around livestock, and Geoff Edmond, national wildlife coordinator at the RSPCA, said: “No one wants to see animals suffer and whilst the vast majority of dog owners take care as a matter of course, sadly accidents can happen and even the most docile and obedient dogs can get distracted and excited by grazing animals. By listening to the advice and getting behind Operation Recall the public can end such unnecessary incidents. Some actions in life we can’t avoid. This one we can.’

Operation Recall was born in 2023, with national animal welfare charities, including Cheshire Police Rural Crime Unit, Naturewatch Foundation and the RSPCA, joining forces with the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU)and police forces to launch the strategic project to tackle the issue across the country. National figures suggest that, as a consequence of dog attacks on farm animals, at least one dog is shot a week.

Find out more about livestock worrying and how to report it on the Wiltshire Police website: https://bit.ly/3tIc3tV

If you see a dog worrying or attacking livestock please call 999 or report online at

https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/ro/report/rwc/rural/report-rural-crime/

or call 101 after an occurrence.

#RuralCrime  #NaturewatchFoundation #RSPCA (England & Wales) #CheshirePoliceRuralCrimeTeam