The rural insurer estimates that dog attacks on farm animals across the UK cost an estimated £1.8m last year, highlighting the harsh reality of some dog owners' failure to control their pets.
In Wales, NFU Mutual estimates farm animals worth £438,536 were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2022, a rise of 15.5% in cost compared to 2021.
NFU Mutual has asked people living in properties that back onto grazing fields not to leave their dogs unsupervised, as a significant proportion of attacks are by pets that escape.
Key stats at a glance (UK figures)
- 64% admit their dogs chase animals
- Almost half (46%) believe that their dog was not capable of injuring or killing livestock
- Nearly two thirds of owners let their dog roam off-lead in the countryside
- 39% admit their pets do not always come back when called
The survey, commissioned by NFU Mutual, which consisted of over 1,100 responses from dog owners, found that the owners just didn't believe that their pets would ever chase, attack or kill livestock, but the insurer's data shows otherwise.
Many people were also unaware that even if their pet doesn’t physically attack the sheep, the distress and exhaustion caused by being chased can result in a pregnant ewe dying or miscarrying. Young lambs can also become separated from their mothers.
Enjoying the countryside - responsibly
NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chair, Rob Lewis, described the statistics as “shocking to see”, and emphasised the “stress and anguish for farmers seeing their animals suffering, in addition to the significant financial impact felt”.
“We want people to enjoy the countryside and welcome members of the public being able to see where their food is produced, but dog owners must do this responsibly,” Rob continued.
“No matter how in control dog owners think they are, they should always remain alert, and dogs should always be on a lead around livestock."
NFU and NFU Cymru campaigning
We are continuing to campaign for tougher deterrents and clear rules for dog owners when walking amongst livestock.
During 2021 we saw the issue raised in Parliament with a 10 Minute Rule Bill promoted by Virginia Crosby MP and amendments to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals Bill) that would give more power to the police to tackle livestock worrying incidents. This bill is currently in Parliament with no timescales when it will be made law.
