As individuals go out and take pleasure in the countryside this Easter weekend, NFU Mutual is hoping dogs will be kept result in lower sheep attacks.
The caution follows the latest figures from NFU Mutual which reveal the UK cost of dog attacks on animals increased more than 50% in 2022 amounting to £1.8 million, compared to pre-pandemic 2019 (£1.2m).
Estimates based upon claims information from the insurance provider reveal stock in Wales worth almost £440,000 were killed or significantly hurt by dogs in 2022.
Warning to dog owners who stroll in Welsh countryside
Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual Wales Manager, said: “The Easter vacations see lots of people checking out the stunning Welsh countryside, however they need to keep in mind these picturesque rural locations are essential to farmers’ incomes and are home to countless sheep and new-born lambs.
“This year’s lambing season is underway throughout Wales, so it is important all dog owners act properly by keeping their dog on a lead in locations where animals neighbor, particularly near susceptible sheep and lambs.
“The Covid-19 pandemic saw lots of people owning dogs for the very first time, however unfortunately this has actually been followed by a sharp boost in the cost of animals attacks.
“It is difficult for individuals to picture their friendly family animal might go after, hurt or eliminate another animal – however all dogs can this, no matter breed or size.
“Even dogs chasing sheep can have severe effects. We’ve heard reports from farmers where sheep and lambs have actually drowned, suffocated, been run over or gone after off cliff edges due to the fact that of out-of-control dogs.
“Even if a dog does not reach a sheep, the distress and fatigue from being gone after can trigger a pregnant ewe to miscarry or pass away. It can likewise separate young lambs from their moms, which can lead them to end up being orphaned.
“If there is an attack, it is important people accept responsibility and report it, either to the police or a local farmer, so that the injured animals are not left suffering.”
Dogs of all sizes can trigger the distress, injury and death of stock (Image: Canva)
Rob Taylor, Wales Rural and Wildlife Police Crime Coordinator and NPCC Livestock lead, included: “Everyday in the UK we witness needless attacks on animals by dogs, whether it’s a family pet that has actually left from an insecure garden or a reckless and ignorant owner who doesn’t think that they require to utilize a lead when walking their dog near sheep.
“These attacks, where numerous sheep are completely killed throughout the UK each year, are entirely avoidable with a little sound judgment and care.
“The police will continue to take a robust stance against these offences, but we also ask the public to please do the right thing a use a lead near livestock and ensure if left alone your pet is secure.”
The caution is released following NFU Mutual’s study of over 1,100 dog owners discovered that regardless of 64% of owners confessing their dogs chase animals, almost half (46%) think their dog was not efficient in hurting or eliminating animals.
Nearly two-thirds of owners (64%) said they provide their dog the chance to stroll around without a lead in the countryside.
Almost 4 in 10 confessed their family pets don’t constantly return when called.
These figures are an outcome of a study that saw 1,119 UK dog owners spoken with by PetBuzz in between 22/12/2022 and 06/01/2023.
People should report dog attacks to the cops or regional farmers (Image: Canva)
What does NFU Mutual encourage dog owners to do when walking their family pets in the countryside?
NFU Mutual motivates dog owners to keep their family pets on a lead when walking them in the countryside where animals are kept. However, dog owners ought to release their dog’s lead if they are gone after by livestock.
The insurance provider says that dogs of all sizes can trigger distress, injury and death of stock, not simply huge dogs.
People ought to report attacks by dogs to the cops or regional farmers.
Finally, dog owners ought to not let dogs loose not being watched in gardens near animals fields. This is due to the fact that numerous attacks are brought on by dogs who get away and assault sheep that are grazing close by.
