NSA survey reveals impact of sheep worrying
Fifty-seven per cent of police forces said sheep worrying was their most common rural crime.
Research conducted by the National Sheep Association (NSA) has revealed that sheep worrying cases are continuing to rise, causing more animals to miscarry, become injured, or die.
The data has been released to mark Sheep Worrying Awareness Week, running from 25 March to 1 April, which raises awareness of the impact that dogs can have with sheep worrying.
A survey of police forces in the UK found that 78 per cent of rural crime teams had seen an increase in dog attacks on sheep in recent years. Fifty-seven per cent of police forces said sheep worrying was their most frequently reported rural crime.
Seventy-six per cent of rural crime forces said they responded to sheep worrying incidents at least once a month. Thirty-three per cent saying it was as often as once a week.
This was corroborated by a survey of farmers, who also said they had seen an increase in cases.
The majority of police forces surveyed said that dogs being exercised off-lead were a major contributor to incidents, as well as owners showing a lack of responsibility for the consequences of dog attacks.
NSA says that sheep worrying, where dogs chase sheep during dog walks, can do the farm animals serious harm. Sheep can be killed or seriously injured when attempting to escape a dog, and the stress can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs.
Dog bites can cause death, or sheep to be put down at a later date. Where sheep survive, bites can still result in considerable veterinary bills and additional welfare issues.
However many of the police forces surveyed did claim to be confident in handling sheep worrying incidents, and encouraged farmers to report and engage with local rural crime teams.
Nicola Noble, NSA project manager, said: “Whilst the 2024 NSA survey has confirmed the concerning rise in sheep worrying by dogs cases there are clearly positive steps being made by rural crime teams to engage with dog owners in an effort to raise awareness and reduce these serious, upsetting attacks.
“By working with the police and by using warning signs for dog owners when livestock are grazing in certain fields, were recognised as the best method of deterrence and can hopefully help farmers reduce the number of attacks on their animals.”
Image © Shutterstock
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
