As the lambing season gets under way, the NFU, and are working together to urge pet owners to obey the and ensure their dogs are kept under control.
The most recent shows that, nationally, the claims costs of dog attacks on farm animals rose to more than 拢1.8m in 2022.
Kent farmers are also reporting a significant rise in incidents. The increase is believed to be, in part, down to a surge in dog ownership during the coronavirus lockdown.
Fourth-generation farmer John Dinnis, who runs a mixed farm near Sevenoaks, has lost more than 20 sheep to dog attacks over the years.
He said: 鈥淪adly the situation has been getting worse. There was a big rise in dog ownership in lockdown and many people don鈥檛 understand what can happen in the countryside when they don鈥檛 have control of their dogs.
鈥業t is really awful to see the animals suffer鈥�
鈥淚t does have a financial impact on the business but the animal welfare issue is the main concern.
鈥淚t is really awful to see the animals suffer in this way and it is upsetting for the pet owners who just didn鈥檛 expect their dog was capable of such things.鈥�
Livestock worrying includes barking, chasing, biting and killing. It is a criminal offence and dog owners could be liable for prosecution or a fine.
Under the Animals Act 1971, a dog could be shot if caught in the act by a landowner.
DNA testing to identify dogs
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, from Kent Police鈥檚 Rural Task Force, said: 鈥淲e urge dog owners to keep their pets on leads around livestock.
鈥淎s well as the suffering caused to sheep, attacks can lead to huge financial losses for farmers. Officers carry DNA testing kits to swab animals that have been attacked, allowing them to identify the dog responsible.
鈥淭he majority of dog owners do take care around livestock but it鈥檚 extremely important to follow signs and stick to footpaths. It is also important to check your properties and gardens are secure when you have dogs.鈥�
Kent Trading Standards Operations Manager Samantha Padfield said: 鈥淎s part of the ongoing work with our Animal Health team, we urge all dog walkers in Kent to keep dogs on a lead and under control when walking in areas where livestock are present.鈥�
皇家华人has recently reported how to crack down on irresponsible dog owners whose pets attack livestock under proposals being brought forward by former Defra Secretary, Th茅r猫se Coffey.