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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th February 2024
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Dog owners urged to prevent lambing season attacks
“Attacks on livestock are completely preventable through responsible dog ownership” – Rob Taylor.
Minister says responsible dog ownership is key.

The Welsh government is reminding owners to keep their dog under control when out in the countryside during lambing season.

In order to prevent livestock worrying, dog owners are asked to familiarise themselves with Natural Resources Wales’ Countryside Code.

The code instructs owners to keep their dogs on lead or in sight, be confident they will return on command, and make sure they won’t stray from the path or area where there is right of access. The code also states that it is good practice is always keep a dog on a lead around livestock, except in situations where you feel threatened.

On land labelled ‘open access’, dogs must legally be kept on a lead between 1 March and 31 July, even when there is no livestock in the vicinity.

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Responsible dog ownership is key in keeping lambs, sheep and all other livestock safe.

“We know most dog owners do the right thing in keeping their dogs under control, but there are some who do not.

“There have been harrowing images of when attacks do happen and by taking the appropriate steps these can be prevented.”

Rob Taylor, Wales rural and wildlife crime coordinator, added: “Attacks on livestock are completely preventable through responsible dog ownership. Sadly, attacks on pregnant ewes or newborn lambs at this time of year do still occur.

“We ask that owners are aware of the risks, use a precautionary approach in controlling their dog and understand the route on which they take them to exercise.

“An attack on livestock may result in their pet being shot, or euthanised on a court order. Nobody wants to see that happening.”

The UK government has recently backed a bill that will give the police in England and Wales greater powers to tackle livestock worrying.

Image © Shutterstock

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.