Sussex dog attack warning as cost to farmers is revealed

There is growing concerns the spring lockdown will see an influx of walkers unfamiliar with the countryside code and unaware of how their new dogs will behave around livestock.

Sheep farmers are particularly under stress as they enter the peak lambing period when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable to attack.

NFU Mutual statistics estimate dog attacks on farm animals in the South East cost more than £115,000 in 2020.

And a survey of dog owners commissioned by the insurer reveals that 64% of dog owners are letting their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half of owners surveyed admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

The research revealed that 42% of dog owners have been walking their pets more often in the countryside during the pandemic, and that 81% of survey respondents have noticed more people exercising their pets in rural areas.

Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said that the attacks cause “unbearable suffering to farm animals” and “huge anxiety for farmers as they deal with the aftermath".

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She said: “It’s a critical time in the farming calendar and there is widespread concern as we enter the peak lambing season, that there will be a surge in new visitors who are simply unaware of the countryside code or how their dog will behave around farm animals.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s so important for people’s wellbeing. It’s vital that dog owners act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead at all times whenever there is a possibility livestock are nearby.”

Additionally, only 40% of the dog owners surveyed accepted that their pet could cause the injury or death of a farm animal.

Rebecca said: “Even if a dog doesn’t make physical contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause sheep to die or miscarry their lambs.

“It’s important that owners realise that all dog breeds, not just the big, fierce looking ones, are capable of attacking livestock, or chasing them.”

Last month, Sussex Police said it had received a number of reports of dogs chasing sheep in areas including Steyning, Hassocks, Pett Level, Burwash and Funtington.

In December 2020, a sheep was “brutally killed” and two others were injured after being attacked by a dog at Landport Bottom Nature Reserve in Lewes.

Inspector Andrea Leahy said: "If you are walking your dog in the countryside and are unfamiliar with the area, always keep your dog on the lead as there could be sheep and cattle nearby you aren't aware of.

"Sheep worrying is an offence and you could be liable for prosecution and heavy financial penalties if your dog is involved in an incident of this type.”