Sheep welfare still threatened by livestock attacks
Livestock worrying can be particularly devastating during lambing season.
The Scottish SPCA has highlighted the continued danger of livestock worrying to the health and welfare of sheep.
As Sheep Worrying Awareness Week begins, the charity is warning dog owners that there is ‘no excuse’ for allowing their pet to worry livestock.
Livestock worrying occurs when a dog attacks or chases livestock in rural areas or farmland. Even well-trained dogs, when off-lead or unsupervised, can cause severe harm to sheep, cattle and their offspring.
This can be particularly devastating during the spring, as sheep give birth to their young during lambing season. Even if dogs don’t catch the sheep, the stress can lead to death and cause pregnant ewes to miscarry.
A survey of farmers, conducted by the National Sheep Association (NSA) in 2025, revealed that 96 per cent of respondents had experienced 1-10 dog attacks on their sheep in the previous year.
Seventy-eight per cent said the main cause of sheep worrying was dogs not being put on a lead.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 made it a criminal offence for a dog owner if their dog worries livestock on agricultural land. Under the latest legislation, which came into force on 18 March 2026, the maximum penalty for livestock worrying rose from £1,000 to an unlimited fine.
NSA communications manager Kate James says: “Research from NSA surveys each year show that a high proportion of sheep keepers have been affected meaning their livestock’s welfare is compromised and farmers themselves are left facing financial losses and extreme worry and distress affecting their mental wellbeing from the aftermath and threat of future attacks.
“NSA urges dog walkers to ensure their dog is kept on a lead whenever sheep could be grazing nearby and to consider their routes, especially this lambing season where chasing from dogs can have even more negative impact.”
Nicola Strachan, head of advocacy & strategic partnerships at Scottish SPCA, said: “Owners must understand that even well-behaved dogs can act on their predatory instincts when around livestock, leading to disastrous, and often, fatal consequences. The presence of a dog alone can cause fear and panic in sheep, particularly during sensitive times such as lambing, leading to real welfare consequences.”
Image © Mariusz Hajdarowicz/Shutterstock.com
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