Dog owners asked to act responsibly at lambing time

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is reminding dog owners to act responsibly if out enjoying the local countryside in the fine spring weather this weekend.

With the official start of British summertime arriving on Sunday, as the clocks go forward, the NSA is highlighting the risk to sheep from dog attacks at this critical time of year for farmers.

Springtime traditionally sees an increase in cases of sheep worrying by dogs, causing significant welfare concerns for sheep and serious upset to farmers whose flocks are affected.

NSA communications manager Katie James comments: "Sheep worrying by dogs is a very serious problem for farmers, NSA continues to hear of a frustratingly high number of dog attacks on livestock on a very regular basis.

"And at this time of year when many heavily pregnant ewes and/or ewes with young lambs at foot can be found in fields across the UK the risk to flocks is increased further with devastating attacks potentially causing sheep to miscarry their lambs or cause lambs to become separated from their mothers."

NSA is urging all dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and under control when walking in areas where sheep could be nearby and avoid walking closely to them if at all possible.

Dog owners are reminded that they may not consider their dog capable of causing suffering by barking, chasing and attacking sheep, but it is an instinctive response so it is crucial to take steps to prevent this.

Mrs James continued: "We do not want to discourage dog owners from enjoying the beautiful countryside we are lucky to have around us, only to do so responsibly and consider the impact an attack can have on farmers' business and livelihood, the welfare of sheep, and potentially the welfare of their much loved dog also."

As part of its ongoing work to highlight the issue of sheep worrying by dogs NSA is also asking for the nation’s sheep farmers themselves to help by sharing their own experiences of sheep worrying in the association's annual survey on the topic.

By providing an up to date insight on the issue’s continued impact on the UK sheep industry it is hoped the survey results will help NSA to continue to raise awareness of these incidents and find ways of improving education, guidance and cooperation to the general public.

The survey can be completed on the NSA website by visiting www.sheepworrying.org.uk where more information can also be found about the issue.

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