Dog homeowners in Kent have been urged to maintain their animals beneath management within the countryside after a surge in assaults on sheep. One farmer who has misplaced 20 sheep to canine assaults over the years mentioned the “state of affairs has been getting worse”.
Insurance agency NFU Mutual, which specialises in agricultural insurance coverage, mentioned nationally, the claims prices of canine assaults on cattle rose to greater than £1.8m in 2022. As the lambing season will get beneath means, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Kent Police and Kent Trading Standards are working collectively to induce pet homeowners to obey the Countryside Code.
Fourth-generation farmer John Dinnis, who runs a combined farm close to Sevenoaks, mentioned he believes the rise is, partially, right down to a rise in canine possession in the course of the coronavirus lockdown. He mentioned the assaults had been “upsetting” for pet homeowners and likewise had a monetary affect on his business.
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Mr Dinnis mentioned: “Sadly the state of affairs has been getting worse. There was a giant rise in canine possession in lockdown and many individuals don’t perceive what can occur within the countryside after they don’t have management of their dogs.
“It does have a financial impact on the business but the animal welfare issue is the main concern. It is really awful to see the animals suffer in this way and it is upsetting for the pet owners who just didn’t expect their dog was capable of such things.”
Livestock worrying contains barking, chasing, biting and killing. It is a felony offence and canine homeowners may very well be responsible for prosecution or a positive.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, mentioned: “We urge canine homeowners to maintain their pets on leads round livestock. As nicely because the struggling prompted to sheep, assaults can result in big monetary losses for farmers. Officers carry DNA testing kits to swab animals which have been attacked, permitting them to determine the canine accountable.
“The majority of dog owners do take care around livestock but it’s 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.”
Kent Trading Standards Operations Manager Samantha Padfield mentioned: “As a part of the continued work with our Animal Health workforce, we urge all canine walkers in Kent to maintain dogs on a lead and beneath management when walking in areas the place livestock are current.”
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