Figures show dog attacks on livestock double over past year

THE number of dog attacks on livestock surged in the North last year, with statistics also showing pet owners are increasingly allowing their pooches to run free while in the countryside.

Figures from NFU Mutual showed there had been twice as many attacks on farm animals by dogs in 2023 compared to 2022 and 2021.

The same survey also showed that more dog owners were letting their dogs off their leads while walking in the country – up to 68 per-cent compared to 64 per-cent the previous year – while only 49 per-cent could recall them.

Almost eight per-cent of the 1,100 dog owners surveyed admitted their pet chases livestock, while 46 per-cent believed their dog wouldn’t be capable of causing death or injury to other animals.

Over half, 54 per-cent, felt they didn’t need to take any measures to stop their dog from chasing livestock.

‘HORRIFYING’

Deputy president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), William Irvine, said, “On the mouth of lambing 2024, it is horrifying to see that dog attacks in NI doubled last year.

“Behind every statistic is a farm family that has experienced immense trauma and financial loss due to an attack on their livestock that could have been prevented.

“It’s extremely worrying that 68 per-cent of dog owners let their pet roam free in the countryside.

“Every dog, regardless of the breed or temperament, is a threat to sheep and their owners must recognise this.

“ It only takes a spilt second for a dog to instinctively react to sheep and begin a chase.

“We are urging dog owners to be responsible in the countryside by keeping their dog on a lead and under control at all times,” he continued.

“This is so important, not only for livestock, but for the safety of their pet too.

“By being mindful of farm animals in the countryside, we can stop livestock worrying; enabling dog owners to enjoy their walks peacefully, ensuring that livestock can reside without threat, reducing daily stress for farmers.”

Dog owners have been reminded they face being fined and even losing their dogs if they don’t keep them under control while around livestock.

Fermanagh and Omagh Council said livestock worrying remains a ‘key concern’ for local farmers, with 14 reported incidents locally last year.

‘STRESS’

“Worrying of livestock does not just mean attacking or killing an animal, it also includes chasing livestock,” said a council spokesman.

“Dogs chasing livestock causes them serious stress which results in suffering and often leads to ewe miscarriages, as well as sheep and new-born lamb deaths.

“Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, it is an offence to allow a dog onto land containing livestock if it is not under control, and to cause worrying to any animal.

“The Order defines ‘under control’ as ‘restrained by a chain or other sufficient leash held by someone exercising proper control over the dog’.

“The person in charge of any dog that is guilty of such an offence is liable to a fine of up to £1,000, and a court may call for the dog to be destroyed.”