Farmers issue warning as lambing season begins in Northamptonshire
Farmers urge dog owners to help protect sheep during this critical season
Last updated 20th Feb 2026
As farmers across Northamptonshire gear up for the busy lambing season, they’re renewing their call for dog walkers to keep pets on leads around farmland.
They say even the calmest dogs can cause serious harm to sheep and new born lambs at this time of year, and are urging people to take extra care to help prevent distress, injury, and even fatal attacks.
Jessica Goodwin, a farmer from Costow Farm in Northamptonshire, says the run‑up to lambing season can be just as dangerous for pregnant sheep as the season itself, something she’s experienced first-hand with her own animals.
“In the past we’ve had around 17 incidents where sheep have been stressed by dogs off their leads and in some cases the dogs have actually pinned the sheep down.” She said.
Latest figures from rural insurer, NFU Mutual UK found dog attacks on livestock cost farmers an estimated £1.95 million last year – a 10% rise on 2024 – highlighting growing concern in rural communities.
Nearly two-thirds of dog owners do not believe their dogs are capable of injuring or killing livestock
With many dog owners planning to visit the countryside at a time when sheep and lambs are at their most vulnerable, NFU Mutual is calling for them to:
- Keep dogs on a lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle
- Be aware that all dogs, regardless of size, breed, and temperament, can cause the distress, injury and death of farm animals
- Report attacks by dogs to the police or local farmers
- Never let dogs loose unsupervised in gardens near livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby
Local farmer Ryan Thompson, from West Lodge Farm Park, says that while he supports people enjoying the countryside with their dogs, it’s important they understand the risks to farm animals – especially at the start of lambing season. He explained:
''Even when a dog is on a lead but gets too close, it can cause an ewe to 'slip a lamb' – essentially a miscarriage. Dogs off the lead have also been known to chase or grab sheep and lambs, causing injuries and even fatalities.”
In response to rising incidents, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act was passed earlier this year, granting police enhanced powers to address dog attacks on farm animals in England and Wales.
A recent NFU Mutual survey found that 57% of owners let their dogs off leads in the countryside, increasing the risk to farm animals
Thompson says owners should never underestimate how their dogs may behave around farm animals. Even the most well‑behaved dogs can react unexpectedly, often out of natural curiosity. He explained:
“Often you’ll have dogs that are very well trained and used to being off the lead – 99% of the time they’re absolutely fine. But there’s still a lot of instinct in dogs. If sheep become nervous and start to run, a dog’s natural reaction is to chase.
''We have dogs on the farm and, if the sheep come over to them, the dogs will usually stay calm and still. But the moment something moves or runs away, that in‑built instinct kicks in, and they just can’t resist it.” He added.
As well as the risk of attacks from dogs, Thompson also stressed how important it is for owners to pick up after their pets, as dog faeces can cause serious illness in lambs.
"The main thing is to keep the dog on the lead and respect the animals' space. Stay calm and slow, giving plenty of room, and pick up after your dogs to prevent the spread of diseases."
“It’s a magical time of year. While we encourage people to get out and enjoy nature, it’s best to visit places that are set up for safely interacting with lambs. It’s a really educational time of year – especially for children – but please just be mindful.”