THERE has been a “shock” 50 per cent in cost of farm animals savaged by dogs as lockdown pets and countryside visits surge, rural insurer NFU Mutual says.

Claims statistics from NFU Mutual reveal cost of dog attacks on farm animals rose by an estimated 50 per cent during the first quarter of 2021, and numbers started to rise sharply last year when farm animals worth an estimated £1.3m were savaged by dogs – a rise of more than 10 per cent on 2019

The firm said 64 per cent of dog owners let their dog off the lead in the countryside – yet half admitted their pet doesn’t always come back when called

It said it had growing concerns out of control and escaped pets would “wreak havoc” over the summer months.

Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist, said: “NFU Mutual’s latest figures confirm the harrowing reports coming in from across the UK of livestock horrifically injured and killed by out of control dogs.

“The suffering to animals and the anxiety for farmers could be easily prevented if people kept their dogs on a lead when out in the countryside.”

The insurer reported that numbers started to rise sharply last year when farm animals worth an estimated £1.3m were savaged by dogs – an increase of more than 10 per cent on 2019.

According to NFU Mutual research with more than 1,200 dog owners, 88 per cent of people said they walked their dog in the countryside.

While 64 per cent said they let their dog run free off the lead, half admitted their pet doesn’t always come back when called.

Hereford Times: The aftermath of a dog attack is all too familiar to sheep farmers The aftermath of a dog attack is all too familiar to sheep farmers

“There’s a lack of awareness amongst dog owners about what their pets are capable of and our research found only 40 per cent accepted their dog could injure or harm livestock,” Ms Davidson said.

“Even if a dog doesn’t make physical contact, the distress of the chase can also cause sheep to die, miscarry and separate lambs from their mothers. Farm animals are also being chased into danger – drowning in rivers, falling from cliffs and getting their necks trapped in fencing.”

She added: “We want people to enjoy the countryside and recognise its importance to our physical and mental wellbeing.”

She told dog owners they should always keep their pets on the lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept, but to let go of the lead if chased by cattle.

She also said people should be aware that even small dogs can chase, injure and kill farm animals, and to report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to the police or local farmers

She concluded by telling owners they shouldn’t let dogs loose and unsupervised in gardens adjoining livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which

escape and attack sheep grazing nearby.

In recent weeks, the Malvern Hills Trust warned about dog attacks, which saw two sheep bitten.

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer, said: “We’re shocked that so many livestock worrying incidents have occurred over the last week.

“Each and every incident is distressing for the livestock and the graziers who care for the animals.

“These incidents can be stopped completely by people putting their dogs on a lead at all times near livestock.”