NFU & South Downs rangers team up to prevent dog attacks on farm animals
March 5, 2019
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is once again hoping to educate dog walkers about the need to use a lead near livestock and when in the countryside.
It is joining forces with South Downs National Park Authority rangers across Sussex, in a bid to reduce the incidence of dog attacks on farm animals by encouraging dog walkers to #takethelead. All too often sheep, in particular, end up being killed or horribly mutilated by out-of-control pet dogs.
Sheep farmers who are NFU members will be out in force across Sussex from Friday March 8, during a series of events with South Downs National Park Authority rangers, in support of the Authority’s Take the Lead campaign.
West Sussex NFU chair Caroline Harriott said: “The number of dog attacks on livestock remains high, with distressing consequences for both farmers and dog owners whose pet could be shot if it’s caught in the act. Most attacks are completely preventable, so we are appealing to dog owners to keep their dog on a lead around livestock and check that their properties are dog proof. If chased, pregnant ewes (female sheep) can commonly lose their lambs or die from stress and exhaustion.”
Andrew Lee, Director of Countryside Policy and Management at the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “Our ranger teams work closely with farmers across the South Downs to ensure that farming, wildlife and people enjoying the National Park can happily co-exist.
“Our Take The Lead campaign has made some great strides in raising awareness of the importance of keeping dogs under control, but there’s still work to be done. We’re pleased to be working closely with the NFU to spread the message about responsible dog walking. These awareness events are well-timed given that Spring is when young livestock are particularly vulnerable.”
Mr Lee added: “The National Park is a great place to walk dogs and we just want owners to follow a few simple steps to take extra care. Collectively, they can make a big difference.”
New figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual reveal dog attacks on livestock in England amounted to £3,470,743 over the past three years (between 2015 and 2018), and cost South East farmers more than £400,000 during this time period.
A National Police Chiefs’ Council’s report on livestock worrying released during February 2018 that analysed data from five forces including Sussex found that owners were not present during more than half of dog attacks on livestock.”
The #takethelead campaign messages will be amplified by the NFU on social media during 2019 and through countryside events and walking festivals where dog owners will be present.
Events
Below is a series of upcoming #takethelead events with NFU members and South Downs National Park rangers.
Events Friday 8 March
West Sussex
Clayton Windmills, Hassocks, West Sussex – from 8am.
South Downs National Park ranger Phillippa Morrison-Price: 07917602371
Farmers Mark Lee & Oliver Lee
Cissbury Ring Car Park, Storrington Rise, BN14 0HT – from 10am to noon.
West Sussex NFU chair Caroline Harriott: 07774 190189
South Downs National Park ranger Tom Parry: 07866 961634
Event Saturday 9 March
West Sussex
Whiteways Car Park, Bury Hill, BN18 9DF – from 10am to noon.
NFU chair Caroline Harriott: 07774 190189
Farmers Simon Payton and Darren Sercombe
Event Friday 22 March
East Sussex
Telscombe Tye, Saltdean, BN2 8DY – from 10am to noon.
Farmer Tim Armour: 07711 674030 / 01273 302486.
South Downs National Park Authority ranger Jan Knowlson: 07973 738160.