Sheep Worrying by Dogs

24th January 2012

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has put in place a new service to record incidents of sheep worrying by dogs.  The aim is to create an accurate picture of cases of sheep worrying across the UK, providing information that can be used to increase awareness and improve responsible behaviour by dog owners. 

The service will be offered to all UK sheep producers, NSA members or not, and will allow categorisation such as area of incidence and levels of seriousness.  In addition the initiative will aim to raise awareness of the risks of tapeworm infection due to ineffective worming of dogs. 

Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of the NSA commented “We hope this new service will provide valuable information to benefit sheep producers.  Sheep worrying and dog attacks appear to be on the increase and we are aware that many cases go unreported.

It is important to create a picture of what is really happening and use this to raise awareness among dog owners and authorities.  I would urge any farmer to phone the NSA on 01684 892661 in full confidence and report any cases of sheep worrying they experience.”