'Ignorant' dog owners keep livestock worrying costs high for farmers

A new report has revealed that farmers across Britain are continuing to experience the emotional and financial impact of livestock worrying attacks on-farm

Chris Brayford
clock • 10 min read
UFU deputy-president John McLenaghan said: "Behind every one of those livestock worrying cases is a farm family that has suffered emotionally and financially, whilst being left with the constant worry that it will happen again. The livestock have endured an horrific attack which traumatises it for life, or its injuries were so severe its life came to a brutal end."
Image:

UFU deputy-president John McLenaghan said: "Behind every one of those livestock worrying cases is a farm family that has suffered emotionally and financially, whilst being left with the constant worry that it will happen again. The livestock have endured an horrific attack which traumatises it for life, or its injuries were so severe its life came to a brutal end."

A new report has revealed that farmers and livestock continue to be subjected to the 'trauma and horror' of dog attacks on-farm. NFU Mutual has released new data on livestock worrying costs today (February...

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 Sheep worrying

Isle of Man considers tougher fines for dog attacks on livestock

Isle of Man considers tougher fines for dog attacks on livestock

Under Manx law, dog owners can be fined up to £1,000 if their pet is found worrying livestock while straying, or not under control, on farmland

Chris Brayford
clock 26 May 2026 • 2 min read
NSA sheep worrying campaign highlights concerning gap between dog owners' awareness and behaviour

NSA sheep worrying campaign highlights concerning gap between dog owners' awareness and behaviour

For the first time the NSA’s sheep worrying survey gathered data from the UK’s dog-owning public to better understand how to target trends and behaviours of those at risk of causing distress to livestock

clock 30 March 2026 • 4 min read
What do new livestock worrying rules mean for farmers and dog owners?

What do new livestock worrying rules mean for farmers and dog owners?

Can the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 deliver for farmers?

Chris Brayford
clock 21 March 2026 • 4 min read