Survey Results

National Sheep Association has collected the experiences of of police forces affected by sheep worrying through its annual survey. A copy of the full results from the survey can be downloaded below.

Key findings from the 2025 farmer survey are as follows:

• Sheep worrying by dogs remains a blight on the industry.
• 87% of survey respondents experienced a dog attack on their sheep flock in the last 12 months
• The majority of cases involve one dog (73%), with 23% of cases involving two dogs.
• 78% say the main cause of sheep worrying is dogs not being put on a lead, a theme through previous surveys.
• Sheep attacks by dogs are becoming more severe with a greater level of injuries.
• 96% of respondents had between 1-10 incidents in the last 12 months.
• The remaining 4% had between 10-30 incidents.
• Respondents on average reported four sheep deaths per year due to sheep worrying by dogs, this is an increase from previous years.
• One respondent reported 44 sheep killed in a single attack. The next highest response was 23 sheep killed. Though this doesn't account for miscarriages of lambs etc.
• NSA urges the public to take responsibility.
• Only 20% of respondents were alerted directly – meaning animals are potentially left suffering due to an irresponsible dog walker.
• Sheep farmers are feeling helpless and frustrated.
• More education is needed to encourage respect for farmers.
• Investment in technology and improved police powers is crucial.
• 98% agree there is an urgent need for additional police powers.
• 54% felt increased fines, punishments and seizure powers would reduce sheep worrying incidents.
• 58% of respondents were aware of DNA sampling tools for sheep attacks, but not many were able to use it successfully.
• 26% of respondents didn’t receive compensation as there was insufficient evidence.

Key findings from the 2024 police survey are as follows:

• The majority of forces who took part said sheep attacks were the most common rural crime.
• 76% of forces who took part reported at least monthly sheep worrying incidents.
• No force reported never having a sheep worrying by dog incident.
• 78% of forces who took part reported an increase in sheep worrying by dog incidents.
• Rural crime teams are equally frustrated by attacks.
• Dogs off lead and not under control was the main cause of attacks, followed by lack of responsibility, education and disrespect for livestock/farming.
• Rural crime teams are actively raising awareness of sheep worrying by dogs.
• Proactive use of signage is considered the most successful tool to help prevent sheep worrying by dogs. 

Key findings from the 2023 farmer survey are as follows:

• In line with previous survey results, 70% of respondents had at least one sheep worrying incident in the last 12 months.
• Of these, 95% of them had between 1-10 occurrence in the year.  
• In almost 70% of cases it's a single dog injuring or killing multiple sheep.
• Despite farmers making steps to prevent sheep worrying, through signs, moving sheep and use of social media, it’s not having an impact.
• On average incidence and severity hasn’t changed much since last year but still does not take into account production losses in sheep, including miscarriage, that were reported by almost 70% of respondents.
• Only 14% of respondents were alerted by the offending dog owner, with the majority left to discover the evidence or alerted by someone else.
• The majority of cases occur on private land, irrespective of whether there is a public right of way.
• 70% of respondents reported either verbal abuse, intimidation, being ignored or negative attitude from a dog owner when approached and asked to put their dog on a lead.
• 82% of survey respondents strongly agreed additional powers are necessary to act as a deterrent to irresponsible dog ownership.
• Farmers reported feelings of anger, frustration and upset. This year there were additional comments like 'becoming the norm' and 'expected', demonstrating the insidious frequency of sheep worrying by dogs.