National Sheep Association (NSA) survey reveals alarming trend in sheep worrying by dog attacks | News and Star – News & Star

MORE than two thirds of the UKs sheep farmers responding to a recent survey have experienced an increase in sheep worrying attacks by dogs during the past year.

This troubling statistic is part of a concerning set of findings released by the National Sheep Association (NSA) from its recent farmers survey assessing the incidence and impact of sheep worrying by dog attacks across the UK.

NSA received a record-breaking response for its 2021 survey specifically aimed at farmers who had experienced dog attacks in the past year. The increase in contributions indicates the scale of the serious problem. On average, each respondent to the survey experienced seven cases of sheep worrying during the past year resulting in five sheep injured and two sheep killed per attack. Estimated financial losses through incidents of sheep worrying of up to 50,000 were recorded, with an average across all respondents of 1570. However, most respondents received no or very little compensation.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: There is still much work to do to continue the education of the dog owning public to ensure the future safety and welfare of both farmers sheep flocks and pet owners much loved dogs and this needs to come from strengthened countryside use guidelines and stricter legislation.

Original post:
National Sheep Association (NSA) survey reveals alarming trend in sheep worrying by dog attacks | News and Star - News & Star