Rob Taylor, the UK Police NPCC lead for livestock attacks, said: “It is alarming to see a rise in the estimated cost of livestock worrying, and the dreadful impact it has on our farming communities."
A new survey has revealed that farm animals worth an estimated £1.95 million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks last year, a rise of 10% from 2024's figures.
On Tuesday (February 17), the rural insurance company published its annual livestock worrying report which revealed the cost of livestock worrying to farmers across the UK in 2025.
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Around 57% of the 1,407 dog owners surveyed had revealed they let their dogs off leads in the countryside.
One in 10 admitted their dog had no recall, while 44% said their dogs came back only ‘some' or ‘most of the time'.
Irresponsible dog ownership is still a problem in the countryside
Whereas one in 20 owners confessed their dogs had chased livestock, and more than three-fifths felt that other owners in their area did not treat livestock worrying as a serious issue.
Moreover, 72% highlighted they were not actively taking steps to prevent their dogs from chasing and almost two-thirds said they do not believe their dogs are capable of harming or killing animals.
In Wales, livestock worrying costs had increased by 23% to £385,000 from 2024 figures.
Latest figures from Scotland revealed farm animals worth an estimated £74,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks last year, down 28% on 2024.
While in Northern Ireland, the cost of livestock worrying had decreased by £66,000 (30%) to £152,000.
In England, the Midlands was the worst-hit region by cost, with dog attacks on livestock costing an estimated £438,000, followed by the South East costing an estimated £330,000 (up by 137% from 2024).
NFU Mutual said farmers are still continuing to feel the emotional and financial consequences of livestock worrying in the countryside.
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"For farmers and their families, witnessing these horrific incidents or finding injured or dead livestock after an attack can be utterly heartbreaking," a spokesperson added.
"Farmers across the UK are living with the constant fear of repeat incidents, which cause immense suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath.
"Anecdotally, we continue to hear reports of dogs injuring or killing sheep while owners are either unable to control their pets or are nowhere to be found.
"Even without physical contact, the stress of being chased can lead to exhaustion and stress, and in some cases separate young lambs from their mothers, which can lead to them being orphaned.
"It is crucial dog owners act responsibly by keeping their pets on leads wherever livestock may be nearby to prevent these needless attacks.
"If there is an incident, we urge those involved to do the right thing by informing a local farmer and reporting it to the police, so that any injured animals are not left suffering in pain."
New legislation cannot come soon enough
Rob Taylor, National Police Chiefs' Council lead for livestock attacks, said that despite being concerned about the impact of incidents on farms, he was encouraged that new legislation, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act, will come into force on March 18, which he hopes will addresses the problem of dog attacks on-farm.
Officers will be granted new powers in the Bill to seize and detain a dog where they have reasonable grounds to believe there is a risk that the dog could attack or worry livestock again, to impose an unlimited fine for contravention of the law, and to take samples and impressions from a dog or livestock, which can be used as evidence, where the police have reasonable grounds to believe the dog has attacked or worried the livestock.
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"It is alarming to see a rise in the estimated cost of livestock worrying, and the dreadful impact it has on our farming communities," Mr Taylor added.
"We have worked tirelessly to improve education as this is about responsible dog ownership, and the problem lies firmly with those owners.
"We look forward to a new law coming into effect in March, after over 10 years of work and we believe it will make a real difference in how cases are investigated and dealt with by our courts.
"Additionally, we are now working with the Blue Cross to help educate dog owners about the dangers of allowing a dog to roam in the countryside and what it means to be responsible."
Defra new powers in upcoming legislation next month will make a profound difference to communities who are subject to, at times, repeated offences.,
"The impact on livestock keepers can be devastating. They face financial loss as well as personal distress," a spokesperson added.
"Farmers will soon have clearer and stronger legal protection against livestock worrying.
"It has long been an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock.
"However, the legislation was introduced in 1953 and has not kept pace with changes in the countryside.
"The new law now strengthens the tools available to police and the courts so they can respond more effectively when incidents happen.
"This change to the law is not about restricting dog walking. It is about making sure people can continue to enjoy the countryside while keeping livestock safe, protecting animal welfare and supporting the work farmers do every day."
Take the Lead
You can support Farmers Guardian's 'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.
Please contact news reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at [email protected].
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