NFU Mutual warns dog owners to prevent livestock attacks in South West
Dog attacks on farm animals cost £221,000 last year
Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets on leads to prevent attacks on farm animals, particularly vulnerable sheep and lambs, during the Easter holidays.
NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer, has estimated that the cost of livestock worrying reached £1.95 million in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
In the South West, dog attacks resulted in damages amounting to £221,000 last year.
According to NFU Mutual, 57% of dog owners let their dogs off leads while walking in the countryside, a worrying statistic considering only 44% of these dogs reliably respond to recall commands.
The survey indicated that while one in 20 owners admitted their dogs have chased livestock, nearly two-thirds believe their pets pose no threat to farm animals.
These concerns coincide with the introduction of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act, granting enhanced police powers to address dog attacks on farm animals in England and Wales.
The impact of dog attacks on farm animals varies across regions, with the Midlands suffering the highest estimated cost of £438,000.
This was followed by the South East at £330,000, though all regions have been affected to varying degrees.
Many farmers dread the Bank Holidays, when dog attacks tend to rise due to pets being let off leads in fields housing vulnerable livestock.
Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, emphasised the importance of responsible dog ownership, stating: “Regardless of breed, size, or temperament, all dogs can chase, injure or kill livestock.”
She added: “Even without physical contact, the stress of being chased can lead to exhaustion and stress, and in some cases separate young lambs from their mothers, which can lead to them being orphaned.”
In light of these figures, NFU Mutual is urging dog owners planning countryside visits to lead their pets and report any incidents immediately.
They also advise against leaving dogs unsupervised in gardens near fields where sheep and lambs are grazing.