‘Pandemic puppies’ linked to sheep worrying spike
Sheep worrying has risen since the start of the covid pandemic.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has said that the boom in first-time owners getting puppies during the coronavirus pandemic may be behind a rise in sheep worrying attacks.
An estimated 3.2 million UK households acquired a dog in the first year of the pandemic. This included a higher than average number of first-time owners who might not understand the dangers that dogs can pose to livestock, especially when allowed off their lead in the countryside.
Owing to lockdown restrictions, many young dogs missed out on adequate training and socialisation. Research is starting to suggest that this is having a long-term impact on their behaviour.
A recent survey by the British Veterinary Association revealed that half of veterinary surgeons had seen a rise in the number of clients reporting concerns about their dog’s aggression.
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said: “With 29 per cent of the UK population now owning a dog there is little surprise sheep farmers are regularly faced with the distress of sheep worrying attacks. As dogs are natural predators they will often follow their instincts to chase sheep if given the opportunity. Chasing and barking as well as a physical attacks can be enough to severely distress sheep with often devastating consequences.
“But this really does not have to be the case. If dogs are kept on a lead and walked at a distance away from sheep the risk is significantly reduced. Farmers appreciate the British public want to enjoy the beautiful countryside while walking their dogs so will be welcomed, but only if they can be responsible and keep their dogs safe, as well as the farmers’ livestock and livelihood.”
New measures to give the police more powers to tackle livestock worrying had been part of the Kept Animals Bill. However, the proposed legislation was recently dropped by the Government despite widespread support from animal welfare organisations.
The Government has promised to pass individual pieces of legislation to deal with issues covered by the Bill.
Mr Stocker added: “Action must be taken, to educate people about the responsibilities of dog owners and to strengthen both the law and law enforcement around protecting livestock.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
