{"id":14960,"date":"2022-03-14T11:11:14","date_gmt":"2022-03-14T10:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=16170"},"modified":"2022-03-14T15:14:15","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T14:14:15","slug":"dog-attacks-on-livestock-how-bad-is-the-problem-and-what-are-the-possible-solutions","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/dog-attacks-on-livestock-how-bad-is-the-problem-and-what-are-the-possible-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog attacks on livestock: how bad is the problem and what are the possible solutions?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Mark Rowe\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 14 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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How bad is the problem of dog attacks on livestock?<\/h3>\n
Around 15,000 sheep were killed by dogs in 2016, according to the All Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW). Sheepwatch UK says most attacks take place between January and March during peak lambing season. Figures from the National Sheep Association (NSA) show that on average, four sheep are killed per dog attack, though some farmers lose 30-40 sheep in single incidents.<\/p>\n
Dog attacks on livestock cost the farming sector \u00a31.3m a year, says the National Farmers\u2019 Union (NFU). According to the NSA, 40% of dog attacks on sheep are carried out by straying or unaccompanied dogs.<\/p>\n
NFU Livestock Board chairman Charles Sercombe says: \u201cWe understand that owners must exercise their dogs,\nbut measures need to be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering for our livestock.\u201d<\/p>\n

More related content:<\/p>\n
Dog walking guide: expert training tips to help your dog behave<\/a><\/li>\n
Guide to ticks: how to avoid being bitten, treatment and how to protect your dog<\/a><\/li>\n
The best dog treats for training<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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$\""One\"$ <\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
Why do dogs attack livestock?<\/h3>\n
Dogs have a hunting instinct, which is triggered by the sight and scent of \u2018prey\u2019 \u2013 especially if the animals start to run away. \u201cPeople tend to underestimate their dog\u2019s innate hunting instinct. Some people also over-estimate how well their dog is trained,\u201d says Sarah Wright,\u00a0editor of Your Dog magazine.<\/p>\n
A survey of more than 3,000 dog owners carried out by the RSPCA in 2017 found that 24% of owners reported that their dog chases livestock, wildlife or other animals. Of these, 29% sought help but 43% did not consider the behaviour a problem.<\/p>\n
Other dog-related problems for wildlife<\/h2>\n
Infectious\u00a0disease<\/h3>\n
Dog faeces contains worms and parasites that can cause serious diseases in sheep, cattle and horses by contaminating the grass they eat. These include neosporosis, which can make livestock miscarry.<\/p>\n
Disturbance to ground-nesting birds<\/h3>\n
Ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance and can be forced from their nests, leaving eggs or chicks exposed. The RSPB advises that owners stick to designated paths and keep dogs on a lead around birds.<\/p>\n
Acts of\u00a0trespass<\/h3>\n
The NSA says that 57%\u00a0of sheep-worrying incidents occur in private, enclosed fields with no permitted access for dog walkers. The public\u2019s rights of access apply only to the footpath, not to the whole field.<\/p>\n
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