NFU Mutual is urging dog walkers to keep their pets under control while exercising on farmland following a series of attacks on sheep in recent days.

Following reports from farmers across the UK, the leading rural insurer is concerned that walkers taking dogs unfamiliar with farm animals into the countryside may not be aware that their pets could follow their instincts to hunt and attack sheep and lambs.

Recent attacks have included sheep killed and others injured across the UK, at a time when ewes and their new-born lambs are particularly vulnerable.

Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: “These horrific attacks have left a trail of dead and seriously-injured sheep and new-born lambs so we are urging dog walkers to keep their pets on the lead at all times when exercising them in countryside where livestock are reared. Walking dogs on a lead also ensures people can safely keep two metres away from others.

“Livestock worrying causes appalling suffering to sheep and lambs – and during the coronavirus crisis the increased threat of attacks is likely to add to farmers’ anxiety when they are already under immense pressure. Even if a dog doesn’t make contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause a sheep to die. Many walkers are also failing to clear up after their dog, which can spread disease to livestock.

“Some farming areas are experiencing increased numbers of walkers with dogs, with farmers having to spend additional time patrolling flocks to try and prevent attacks which is hindering them from getting on with the vital task of producing food for the nation.

“There are real concerns that high numbers of people using farmland footpaths for exercise are putting older farmers in particular at risk. Together with the farmers’ unions, we are urging people to maintain social distancing of two metres apart and not put others, including farmers, their families and other rural dwellers at risk.”

NFU Mutual’s claims figures show that livestock worth £1.2m were attacked by dogs last year. A survey of more than 1,300 dog owners commissioned by NFU Mutual also revealed that 63 per cent of dog owners let their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

Advice on preventing dogs attacking livestock is available from NFU Mutual’s website: www.nfumutual.co.uk/news-and-stories/preventing-dog-attacks-on-farm-animals/ .

NFU Mutual coronavirus guide for exercise on farmland footpaths:

• Maintain social distancing of at least two metres when out in the countryside and consider others, including farmers and their families

• Avoid footpaths which go through farmyards or close to farmhouses

• Keep to footpaths, leave gates as you find them and don’t block gateways

• Always keep dogs on the lead when walking them in rural areas where livestock are kept. Walking your dog on a lead also ensures you can safely keep two metres away from others.

• Always clear up after your dog – their mess can spread disease to livestock

• Be aware that even small lap dogs can attack and kill farm animals

• Report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to local farmers or the police

• Don’t let dogs loose in gardens adjoining livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby.