The Midlands was the worst-hit region by cost, with dog attacks on livestock costing an estimated £438,000 followed by the South East (£330,000).
The news comes as NFU Mutual released the results of its dog owner survey which found that 57% of people let their dogs off lead in the countryside, with 1 in 10 admitting their dog has no recall, and 44% saying their dogs came back only ‘some’ or ‘most of the time’.
“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,” said NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns.
“We want people to enjoy the countryside and welcome members of the public being able to see where their food is produced, but dog owners must do this responsibly.”
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton
“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.
“Ignoring the risks is never an option; regardless of breed, size, or temperament, all dogs can chase, injure or kill livestock. 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.”
New law set to unlock police powers
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton said the latest figures were “deeply worrying”.
“These incidents cause unnecessary and avoidable animal suffering and significant emotional and financial anguish for farmers and their families.”
The NFU was pleased to see the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Act passing into legislation at the end of last year, following NFU campaigning. The amendment empowers police in England and Wales to take advantage of the technological and scientific advancements that have been made since it was first passed into law in 1953.
David praised the determination of our members, and the voices of the thousands of people who signed our open letter as well as the work of Aphra Brandreth MP and Baroness Thérèse Coffey. “It was a huge victory for the farming community and a moment of real relief for livestock keepers across the country,” he added.
According to NFU Mutual’s figures, 87% of dog owners in Wales thought the new legislation will help reduce livestock worrying, compared to 74% in England.
UK Police NPCC lead for livestock attacks Rob Taylor said he believed the new law, coming into effect in March, “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.”
‘Do the right thing’
NFU Mutual is urging all dog owners to be responsible for their pet and to keep them on a lead when walked anywhere near livestock.
“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,” said NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns.
David Barton added: “We want people to enjoy the countryside and welcome members of the public being able to see where their food is produced, but dog owners must do this responsibly. No matter how in control dog owners think they are, they should keep their pets on a short lead around livestock and also ensure their pets do not escape from houses and gardens and roam free, especially as the 2026 lambing season gets underway.”
Who to call and when?
Urgent: If a crime is in progress dial 999.
Non-urgent: Dial 101 to report a crime after it has taken place.
Provide information: Contact Crimestoppers to give information 100% anonymously. You can submit information online at CrimeStoppers.org or report via the helpline at: 0800 555 111.
