Taking the Lead on livestock worrying: "Ultimately, this baseless crime must end and it can only do so through respect"

Reporter Chris Brayford discusses the impact livestock worrying can have on farmers and why respect from dog owners for the countryside is paramount to solving the problem in the future.

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
"Listening to the pain in a farmer's voice when they have just recalled a distressing livestock worrying incident, and its subsequent ramifications, is one of the most difficult parts of my job."
Image:

"Listening to the pain in a farmer's voice when they have just recalled a distressing livestock worrying incident, and its subsequent ramifications, is one of the most difficult parts of my job."

It never gets easier when another incident of livestock worrying is reported, often leaving livestock dead or barely alive after fighting for their life. Listening to the pain in a farmer's voice when...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Rural crime

Case adjourned for Powys farmer charged with causing suffering to animals

Case adjourned for Powys farmer charged with causing suffering to animals

The man faces nine charges in total including failure to dispose of a dead bull carcass at his farm near Pontrobert

clock 21 April 2026 • 1 min read
Rural churches a 'hotspot' for targeted and thoughtless criminality

Rural churches a 'hotspot' for targeted and thoughtless criminality

Nearly 4,000 crimes were recorded at churches across the UK in 2025, amounting to more than 10 a day

Chris Brayford
clock 15 April 2026 • 6 min read
Cow approved for waste carrier licence shows criminals are 'milking' the system

Cow approved for waste carrier licence shows criminals are 'milking' the system

‘Beau Vine’ a Charolais-Cross cow in Wiltshire was approved for upper tier waste carrier license in under three seconds, with no checks or questions asked

Alex Black
clock 14 April 2026 • 2 min read