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Livestock worrying cost rises almost 30 per cent
The cost of livestock worrying was highest in the South West of England.
New figures revealed as government plans crackdown on issue.

Farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2023, according to data released by the insurance company NFU Mutual.
 
The figure is nearly 30 per cent higher than the previous year and is part of a trend of increasing livestock worrying. Between 2019 and 2022, the cost of dog attacks grew by 50 per cent.

The South West of England was the worst hit region, with dog attacks there costing an estimated £359,000.

A survey of dog owners by the insurer also found that more owners were letting their dog off its lead when in the countryside, with the number rising from 64 per cent the year before to 68 per cent. Only 22 per cent said they would report an attack to a local farmer and just 11 per cent said they would call the police.

Efforts are currently being made in Parliament to tackle the issue, with the government supporting a bill that will give the police more powers to deal with livestock worrying and increase the number of species covered by the law.

The new legislation has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association.

BVA junior vice-president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “It’s concerning to see such a significant rise in livestock worrying incidents.

“As vets, we see first-hand the devastating damage caused when dogs are not kept under control around livestock, which is why following years of BVA pushing for action on this issue, the government’s recent support for the new livestock worrying bill is a positive step forward.

“The bill includes vital updates to the existing legislation and will bring it in line with BVA’s manifesto asks, such as clarity on what constitutes ‘worrying’, who would be responsible for the dog’s behaviour if the owner is not present at the time of the incident, and the expansion of police powers and sanctions against irresponsible dog owners.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.