Dogs chasing and attacking livestock are a huge concern for farmers, especially during lambing season, which typically reaches its peak in March. A dog can maul, kill, or cause sheep to miscarry; this not only deals a blow to the farmer’s livelihood and causing a great deal of suffering to the livestock.
Earlier this month, there were headlines about a particularly harrowing incident: a farmer shot a dog, a Siberian husky had previous been running into the his field chasing sheep, as it stood beside the owner. The farmer said he shot the dog, who was once again on lead, because he feared he could break free and chase his livestock again; the farmer was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Section 9 of the Animals Act 1971 allows farmers to shoot any dog they see worrying their livestock if they believe it is the only reasonable way of putting a stop to it. Dog owners can also be prosecuted for any damage caused by their dog.
“With more than 15 million ewes in fields across the UK, the lambing season is an intense and stressful period for farmers. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act of 1953, which was devised to protect livestock from attack by canines, outlines punishments for dog owners who allow their dogs to worry livestock on agricultural land,” reads a statement by Apton Plant, agricultural equipment suppliers.
“Sadly, dog attacks continue to blight our countryside. Last January, 27 sheep were found dead following a dog attack in north Wales. During lambing season, sheep worrying may cause pregnant ewes to miscarry. Sheep fleeing from dogs, meanwhile, may be seriously injured in an attempt to escape, or receive traumatic wounds from dog bites. Dog owners have both a legal and ethical responsibility to protect livestock.”
“Make sure to be vigilant at all times when walking in the countryside. Keep an eye out for any livestock. Keep your dog on a lead wherever possible, even in fields without livestock, unless they have perfect recall. Keep control of your dog, shortening the lead if necessary,” Apton Plant advises.
“If you own a breed with a high prey drive, such as a lurcher, collie or greyhound, consider muzzling your dog. Use one with an open basket weave, as these allow dogs to breathe freely. Try to stick to footpaths and public rights of way. If you live near a field with livestock, make sure to secure your property to prevent your dog from escaping.
“Remember that many dogs are able to jump over high fences. According to the Kennel Club, up to 70% of attacks on livestock happen when a dog is isolated from its owner.”