Leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, issues an urgent warning to farmers following an increase in livestock worrying.
The insurer’s claims statistics show that the cost of attacks has increased by 35% in 2015 compared to the previous year.
The South West has seen the highest number of incidents throughout the last three years and 2015 saw over a 60% increase in costs.
Tim Price, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, says: “We are all too aware of the heart-break and huge financial loss that dog attacks cause to farmers.
“The majority of dog owners act responsibly and ensure that their dogs are always kept under control and on a lead when near livestock but a small minority either don’t know their responsibilities or simply do not care that their pet can inflict the most terrible injuries on livestock – which can often result in death.”
With half-term approaching and many families with dogs expected to visit the countryside, NFU Mutual urges people to keep control of their dogs at all times to avoid any problems.
Tips for farmers:
• Check stock regularly in case any have been attacked
• Report any attacks to the police immediately
• Ask neighbours to alert you if they see loose dogs near your livestock
The Dog Walking Code is an initiative by countryside stakeholder groups including Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Kennel Club, the CLA, and others. You can read the code
