UFU deputy-president John McLenaghan said: "Behind every figure is a farming family who has had to deal with the devastating aftermath of a dog attack. Farmers should not have to live with the fear of repeat attacks."
Farmers should not have to live in fear of livestock worrying on-farm, as a farming union has urged owners to respect the countryside by putting dogs on a lead.
Responding to NFU Mutual's new survey on Tuesday (February 17), which revealed the cost of livestock worrying had increased to around £1.95 million last year, UFU deputy-president John McLenaghan said the financial cost of incidents only tells part of a distressing story.
LISTEN NOW:
While the figures in Northern Ireland reduced by 30% to £152,000 compared to the previous year, Mr McLenaghan said that one dog attack on livestock is one too many, particularly at a time when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are at their most vulnerable.
Heartbreak and distress of livestock worrying to farmers
"Behind every figure is a farming family who has had to deal with the devastating aftermath of a dog attack," he added.
"For many sheep farmers across Northern Ireland, lambing season is already an intense and demanding period.
"Discovering dead or injured animals following a dog attack is heartbreaking and deeply distressing.
READ NOW: Farmers see livestock worrying costs rise by 10% to nearly £2m in 2025
"The £152,000 figure represents significant losses, but it does not capture the emotional toll, the trauma to livestock, or the long-term impact on flock performance."
UFU has repeatedly warned that livestock worrying remains a serious and persistent issue in Northern Ireland, with incidents reported across rural and semi-rural areas.
In many cases, attacks occur when dogs are off lead, escape from gardens, or are allowed to roam unsupervised.
Mr McLenaghan said: "Too many dog owners still believe their pet would never chase or harm livestock.
"The reality is very different. Regardless of breed or temperament, any dog can cause harm.
"Even if there is no physical contact, the stress alone can cause pregnant ewes to abort lambs or young lambs to become separated from their mothers.
"The responsibility lies firmly with dog owners.
"If you are walking in the countryside and there are sheep or cattle in nearby fields, your dog must always be kept on a lead and under control."
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT: Join Farmers Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign
Mr McLenaghan said stronger enforcement and greater awareness of the consequences of irresponsible dog ownership must be just two of the solutions to overcoming the problem in the future.
"We continue to engage with authorities and local councils to ensure incidents are reported and followed up appropriately," the UFU deputy-president added.
"Where attacks happen, they must be reported to the local dog warden and the Police Service of Northern Ireland so that action can be taken.
"Farmers should not have to live with the fear of repeat attacks.
"Stronger awareness, responsible ownership and consistent enforcement are essential if we are to see meaningful progress."
READ NOW: NSA puts dog owners in the spotlight with new sheep worrying study
