Dog owners across Kent are being strongly urged to take immediate action in controlling their pets in rural areas, as there has been a concerning increase in sheep attacks, reports the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
Kent farmers are grappling with a notable surge in incidents, with John Dinnis, a farmer from Sevenoaks, revealing that he has lost over 20 sheep to dog attacks over the years. Describing the situation as “really awful,” Dinnis emphasized the distress caused by witnessing animals suffer due to such incidents.
In response to the escalating problem, the NFU, in collaboration with Kent Police and Kent Trading Standards, is actively promoting adherence to the Countryside Code. Their joint effort aims to ensure that dog owners take the necessary measures to keep their pets under control, especially as lambing season is underway.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, representing Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, issued a plea for dog owners to use leads when in proximity to livestock. He emphasized the substantial financial losses incurred by farmers in addition to the suffering caused to sheep. Kent Police officers are equipped with DNA testing kits, enabling the identification of dogs responsible for attacks.
Nationwide, the cost of dog attacks on farm animals exceeded £1.8 million in 2022, according to NFU Mutual insurance company. Richard Finlay, chairman of the NFU livestock board, expressed how witnessing their animals suffer is causing farmers significant “stress and anguish.”
John Dinnis, a fourth-generation farmer running a mixed farm, highlighted that the situation has worsened since the Covid lockdown. He speculated that individuals who acquired dogs during the lockdown may lack experience in handling them, leading to unintended consequences. Dinnis empathized with pet owners, stating, “It is upsetting for the pet owners who just didn’t expect their dog was capable of such things.”
Livestock worrying, encompassing behaviors such as barking, chasing, biting, and killing, is a criminal offense. Dog owners engaging in such activities could face prosecution or fines as a consequence. The collaborative efforts of the NFU, Kent Police, and Kent Trading Standards underscore the gravity of the issue and the need for immediate action to safeguard both livestock and the livelihoods of farmers.
