Herd the news? Off-lead dogs put sheep at risk

Dog walkers urged to keep dogs on leads around sheep to reduce attacks.

Whilst the majority of dog walkers exercise their pet in a responsible way, one attack is still too many.

Following the Countryside Code and keeping dogs on leads around livestock can help everyone enjoy time in nature safely.

Spring will soon be upon us, bringing promise of warmer days and the emergence of new life; it won’t be long before we see spring lambs skipping across green fields.

Whilst the burgeoning of new life and escape from darker days of winter may bring relief for many, it can also be a time of great concern for farmers and landowners as lambing season begins.

Ongoing incidents involving loose dogs put animals at risk. Reports of sheep attacks have been recorded across the country, with many incidents ending in sheep fatalities. Every year, sheep and other livestock suffer stress, injury, and even death due to uncontrolled dogs. Pregnant ewes can miscarry when chased, and lambs can become separated from their mothers.

Even the most well-trained dogs have a natural instinct to chase, making it essential for owners to take precautions when heading out into the countryside.

Sheep chasing can further bring with it an increased risk of cliff falls, which is why it is advisable to always try and stick to marked paths, unless wider access is available. Farmers are within their right to take action on their own land if they feel threatened or their livestock is in danger. As a last resort, a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. Responsible dog ownership is key to ensuring harmony between pet lovers and those who work on the land.

That’s why we are urging dog owners to act responsibly and keep their pets on leads around sheep. Keeping them leashed in unfamiliar terrain will ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time in nature.

What can dog owners do?

Always keep dogs on leads near sheep and livestock – unless you feel threatened, particularly around cattle. Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you to both reach safety.

Follow local signage – these are there to protect wildlife, dogs, their owners and other users of the outdoors.

Be aware of the law – farmers have the right to take action to protect their animals and can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock as a last resort.

Ensure dogs are secure within your premises and can’t escape – some attacks come from escaped pets.

Spread awareness – encourage other dog walkers to act responsibly. For happy, healthy dog ​​walks, find local resources that list off-lead dog walking sites. When in the outdoors always follow the Countryside Code.

Alison Roberts, Responsible Recreation Advisor at Natural Resources Wales said:

“Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dog under effective control and make sure it stays away from other animals. Following the guidance in the Countryside Code to use leads around sheep can help everyone enjoy the outdoors while keeping livestock and pets safe from harm.”

Stephen Jenkinson, Access and Countryside Advisor to The Kennel Club said:

“Always keeping dogs on leads around sheep is the best way to avoid a happy, healthy walk in the outdoors turning into a tragedy for dog owners and farmers alike. Allowing dogs to escape from homes also puts canine lives at risk, and so we encourage the responsible majority of dog owners to always report strays to their local council.”

Rhian Pierce, sheep farmer in north Wales said:

“Pregnant ewes and young lambs are really vulnerable at this time of year. Dogs can cause distress even if they don’t attack as the fear and exhaustion of being chased can cause pregnant ewes to abort. The distress this causes animals and farmers, as well as the harm to livelihoods, can be prevented by keeping dogs on leads near sheep.”

The Countryside Code exists to ensure that everyone can enjoy time outdoors responsibly while protecting the animals and wildlife that call it home. With a little extra care, dog owners can help protect the countryside and the livelihoods of those who work there, ensuring that lambs, ewes, and other livestock can thrive this spring, and allowing for an enjoyable, incident free time in nature with their beloved pet.

Heard the sleepers? Off-leash dogs put sheep at risk

Dog walkers are encouraged to keep dogs on a lead around sheep to reduce attacks.

Although most people who walk their dogs do so responsibly, one attack is still one too many.

Following the Countryside Code and keeping dogs on a lead around livestock can help everyone enjoy time in nature safely.

Spring will soon have arrived, with its warmer days and life budding once more; it won’t be long before we see the spring lambs prancing across the fields.

Although the prosperity of new life and leaving the bleak days of winter is a relief for many, it can also be a time of great concern for farmers and landowners as the lambing season begins.

Ongoing incidents involving loose dogs put animals at risk. Reports of attacks on sheep have been recorded across the country, with many cases resulting in sheep dying. Every year, sheep and other livestock suffer stress, injury, and even death from uncontrolled dogs. Ewes can miscarry when chased, and lambs can be separated from their mothers.

Even well-trained dogs have a natural instinct to run after animals, which makes it essential for owners to take precautions when heading out into the countryside.

Running after sheep can increase the risk of falling over cliffs, which is why you should always try to stick to marked paths, unless wider access is available. Farmers have the right to take action on their own land if they feel threatened or their livestock are at risk. As a last resort, a farmer can shoot a dog that attacks or chases livestock. Being responsible when walking your dog is key to ensuring harmony between those who love pets and those who work on the land.

That’s why we encourage dog owners to act responsibly and keep their pets on a lead around sheep. Keeping them on a lead in unfamiliar terrain will ensure that everyone has a good time in nature.

What Can Dog Owners Do?

Always keep dogs on a lead near sheep and livestock – unless you feel threatened, especially around cattle. Don’t risk getting hurt defending your dog. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to get to a safe place.

Follow the local signs – they are there to protect wildlife, dogs, their owners and other users of the outdoors.

Be aware of the law – farmers have the right to take action to protect their animals and can shoot a dog that attacks or chases livestock as a last resort.

Make sure dogs stay on your property and can’t escape – some attacks come from escaped pets.

Spread awareness – encourage other dog walkers to behave responsibly To take your dog for a nice and healthy walk, find local resources that list off-leash sites. When you are outdoors always follow the Countryside Code.

Alison Roberts, Responsible Leisure Adviser at Natural Resources Wales said:

“Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dog under effective control and ensure that it stays away from other animals. Following the guidelines in the Countryside Code for using leads around sheep can help everyone enjoy the outdoors while keeping livestock and pets safe from harm.

Stephen Jenkinson, Access and Countryside Adviser to the Kennel Club, said:

“Keeping dogs on a lead around sheep is always the best way to ensure that a happy and healthy outdoor walk does not turn into a disaster for dog owners and farmers alike. Allowing dogs to escape from homes also puts dogs’ lives at risk, so we urge the responsible majority of dog owners to always report loose dogs to their local council.”

Rhian Pierce, a sheep farmer in north Wales, said:

“Older sheep and young lambs are very vulnerable at this time of year. Dogs can cause distress even if they do not attack because the fear and exhaustion of being chased can cause sheep of the same age to miscarry.

“The distress this causes to animals and farmers, as well as the damage to people’s livelihood, can be prevented by keeping dogs on a lead near sheep.

The Countryside Code exists to ensure that everyone can enjoy time outdoors responsibly while protecting the animals and wildlife that live there. With a little extra care, dog owners can help protect the countryside and the livelihoods of those who work there, ensuring that lambs, sheep and other types of livestock can thrive this spring, and have a pleasant time in nature with their pets too.

About the Countryside Code

Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have a statutory duty to produce a Code as set out in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Our statutory duty is to keep the Code up to date, relevant and accessible to all.

The Code was refreshed in 2021, to ensure that it best reflected users of the countryside in current times. The refresh saw the start of a campaign to change behavior through the Countryside Code by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, working in partnership with key stakeholders. The campaign aims to increase awareness of the Code to help everyone feel safe and welcome in enjoying the outdoors.

To find out more visit www.thecountrysidecode.org.uk

Supporting quotes:

Victoria Bond, Director of CLA Cymru said:

“Attacks on livestock cause great distress to animals and farmers, especially at this time of year, and they threaten livelihoods.

“Many incidents stem from dog owners’ lack of awareness and understanding of their surroundings in rural areas. The CLA supports the campaign promoting the Countryside Code. Owners must keep their dogs on leads near livestock and stick to public rights of way. If you see an incident, please report it to police.”

About Natural Resources Wales

We’re leading the way in the challenge of ensuring Wales can survive and thrive against the backdrop of the nature, climate and pollution emergencies – advising and regulating industry, and working with partners to improve the quality of our waters, the air we breathe and the land and special places that we manage sustainably. From flooding to pollution incidents, we’re always braced to keep people and wildlife safe from the impacts of environmental incidents 24/7. Every decision we make is rooted in evidence, the expertise of our colleagues and the passion of the people living in the communities that we work alongside every day.