Farmers 'living in fear' as dog attack deaths rise

Farmers across the South East are urging pet owners to "respect the countryside" amid an increase in farm animal deaths caused by dog attacks.

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society (NFU Mutual) has published findings which revealed such attacks in the South East in 2024 went up by 23% from the previous year.

The attacks are reported to have cost farmers £139,000 and farmer George Johnson from High View Lamb Boxes, in Chatham, Kent, said farmers already "run on very tight margins".

Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual's rural affairs specialist, said farmers in the UK are "living in fear of repeat attacks" and has called for owners to "act responsibly".

Mr Johnson said his lambs had been attacked, adding: "We've nearly lost a few because of the consequences of that."

"They need antibiotics, sometimes a vet is required for around-the-clock care," he said.

"It's distressing for the animals and hits your profits."

In Sussex, farmer John Marland said recent dog attacks have seen two of his ewes killed and another five mauled.

"It's not really the financial cost, it's the emotional effect," said Mr Marland.

"It was devastating on all the family. There is a financial cost, but fundamentally it's losing something that you've cared for for years."

Mr Marland also said dogs chasing pregnant sheep can cause complications with giving birth.

NFU Mutual surveyed 1,136 dog owners and found 57% let their dogs off lead in the countryside while only 40% said their pet always comes back when recalled.

Ms Binns said: "It was worrying to see the cost of livestock rise in the South East last year, especially at a time of year when pregnant ewes and new-born lambs are vulnerable.

"We've heard of many incidents where dogs have injured and killed sheep and the owners are powerless to stop it or are nowhere to be seen.

"Regardless of size, breed or temperament, all dogs are capable of chasing, injuring and killing farm animals."

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