The estimated cost of dog attacks on farm animals in the South East reached nearly £115,000 in 2020, a new survey from rural insurer NFU Mutual reveals.

New statistics released today (Tuesday) show 64% of dog owners are letting their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half of owners surveyed admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

The research revealed 42% of dog owners have been walking their pets more often in the countryside during the pandemic, and that 81% of survey respondents have noticed more people exercising their pets in rural areas.

John Heather, NFU mutual agent for the Isle of Wight, said: “With more people walking in the countryside as Covid restrictions continue and an increase in dog ownership, we have seen horrific attacks resulting in large numbers of sheep being killed and a trail of horrific injuries.

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight residents are being urged to keep their dogs on leads when near livestockIsle of Wight residents are being urged to keep their dogs on leads when near livestock

“These attacks cause unbearable suffering to farm animals as well as huge anxiety for farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s so important for (their) wellbeing. It’s vital dog owners act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead at all times whenever livestock are nearby.”

Alarmingly, only 40% of the dog owners surveyed accepted their pet could cause the injury or death of a farm animal.

Owners’ responses to seeing dogs attacking livestock have also changed during the pandemic, with only 33% saying they would report an attack taking place to police or a local farmer.

Isle of Wight County Press: Only 40% of dog owners surveyed believed their pet could cause injury or death of a farm animal.Only 40% of dog owners surveyed believed their pet could cause injury or death of a farm animal.

In 2020, the UK cost of dog attacks on livestock reached an estimated £1.3m - an overall increase of over 10%.

The worst-affected region by cost was the North East, where farm animals worth £240,000 were savaged by dogs.

The next most seriously-affected areas were the Midlands, South West and Wales.

To make dog walking safe, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:

  • Always keep dogs on the lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle
  • Be aware that even small lap dogs can chase, injure and kill farm animals
  • Take special care to keep close control of dogs unused to farm animals
  • Report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to the police or local farmers
  • Don’t let dogs loose in gardens adjoining livestock fields