AS South West sheep farmers brace themselves for an influx of countryside dog walkers over Easter, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging owners to keep their pets under control to prevent attacks on livestock.?

It’s a critical time for farmers as the spring lambing period is now well underway, meaning ewes and new born lambs are often grazing close to footpaths, which can put them at risk of dog attacks.

Locally in recent months there have been sheep killed or injured at Sandford, Lapford and Cheriton Fitzpaine.

With summer beach bans for dogs gradually coming into force, an increasing number of people are expected to head to the countryside during the Bank Holiday break.

?Many farm animals are seriously injured or killed each year in dog attacks and the issue of livestock worrying cost the region an estimated £185,000 last year, according to NFU Mutual statistics.?

Across the UK, the cost of dog attacks rose by more than 10 per cent in 2020 to an estimated £1.3m. Not only can contact result in horrific and even fatal injuries, the distress of the chase can also cause sheep to die, miscarry or separate lambs from their mothers.

?According to a survey of dog owners commissioned by NFU Mutual, 88 per cent of people say they now walk their dog in the countryside. The pandemic has seen a surge in pet ownership and countryside visitors, and there are concerns some will be unfamiliar with the Countryside Code and how their pet may react around livestock.?

Roz Hills, the insurance company’s South West Regional Manager, said: “These attacks cause an immense amount of suffering to animals and are devastating for farmers to have to deal with. Even if a dog doesn’t make contact with a sheep it can still cause terrible distress to the animal.

?“These incidents are all so easily preventable if owners keep their dogs under control, either on a lead or secure when they’re in gardens, when livestock may be nearby. With warmer weather on the way, it’s not surprising that more people will be wanting to get out and about and enjoy the countryside. It’s vital that dog owners take those small steps that can save a lot of heartache and upset.

”?Walkers are also being urged to report any incidents of livestock worrying they may witness.

The "What3Words" app can be used to pinpoint your exact location, so you can report where you have seen an incident to within a 3m x 3m area.

Attacks can leave livestock with painful injuries, so prompt and accurate information could save animals hours of suffering.

?Alarmingly, only 18 per cent of those surveyed said they would call the police if they saw a dog chasing or attacking livestock and only 15 per cent would report it to the farmer.

?PC Chris Collins, Rural Affairs Officer for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “I would urge all to take note of the NFU Mutual’s advice and report all incidents to the police. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and has a devastating impact on livestock, farmers and in some circumstances the dog and the owner.?

“During 2020 more than 300 animals were killed or injured in dog attacks across Devon and Cornwall. We have recently launched a ‘Take the Lead’ campaign to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage people to report all incidents of livestock worrying to the police.?

“If you do witness an attack on livestock do not intervene, keep yourself safe and call 999. For all other livestock worrying incidents please email: [email protected] or report crime online.

”?Another area of concern for farmers is dogs escaping from homes and then attacking livestock.

When surveyed, 16 per cent of people admitted their dog had escaped from their home, including gardens, in the past. Such incidents have led to the insurance company urging people to make sure fences and gates are secured and not to leave dogs outside unsupervised.?

To make dog walking safe, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:

• Always keep dogs on the lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle

• Be aware that even small lap dogs can chase, injure and kill farm animals

• Take special care to keep close control of dogs unused to farm animals

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

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

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/ .