NSA launches new survey to gain further insight on devastating cases of sheep worrying by dogs

As part of its ongoing work to highlight the serious and distressing issue of sheep worrying by dogs the National Sheep Association (NSA) is today (Monday 2nd December) launching its latest survey on the topic to gain an up to date insight on its continued severity and impact on the UK sheep industry.

For more than 10 years NSA has gathered data from UK sheep farmers on the major problem of sheep worrying. Sheep worrying occurs when a dog(s) chases and/or physically attacks sheep causing significant stress to sheep and subsequent devastating problems that can include miscarriage of lambs, physical injury and sadly in many cases, death of the animals affected.

To continue to raise awareness of these incidents and find ways of improving education, guidance and cooperation NSA is inviting UK sheep farmers to contribute to the new survey that will remain open from now until Friday 21st February. The survey can be completed on the NSA website by visiting www.sheepworrying.org.uk.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “Sheep farmers across the UK nations are regularly faced with the dreadful consequences of sheep worrying by dogs. Attacks not only compromise animal welfare but also cause great stress, anxiety and financial loss to farmers themselves.

“NSA urges anyone previously affected by this issue to complete this year’s survey. Your contribution helps to create a more accurate representation on the intensity of the matter, critical for NSA when is working towards increased understanding of the problem, whether that be amongst the dog owning population or those responsible for legislating on this devastating issue.”

Survey results are shared with interested parties including members of the national press each spring. The timing is significant as it helps to highlight the issue at an especially important time for UK sheep flocks when many ewes are in the final stages of pregnancy or have young, vulnerable lambs at foot meaning the risk of miscarriage or mis mothering due to stress from a sheep worrying attack is increased.

For more information on the issue of sheep worrying by dogs and NSA’s work on this issue please visit www.sheepworrying.org.uk.