Farmer backs council plea to stop livestock attacks

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has backed an appeal reminding pet owners of the impact livestock worrying has on farm animals and businesses.

Nottinghamshire County Council has written to 200 parish councils across the county in a plea to stop livestock being attacked by dogs.

The NFU said livestock worrying includes dogs barking, chasing, biting and killing animals, which is a criminal offence and dog owners could be liable for prosecution or a fine.

Nottinghamshire NFU chair, Oliver Collingham, who farms at Farnsfield, hopes raising the issue will "make a huge difference" to how dog walkers act in the countryside.

In its letter to parish councils, Nottinghamshire County Council said: "Lambing season will soon be under way and we would like to remind everyone using our local footpaths and countryside to please keep dogs on a short lead when walking through or alongside fields with sheep.

"Even the most well-behaved dogs can instinctively chase livestock, particularly at this time of year.

"This behaviour is often driven by excitement or play, rather than aggression, but it can still cause serious distress to ewes, leading to abortion, exhaustion, shock and, in some cases, death.

"These situations are entirely avoidable. Responsible dog control helps protect livestock, supports our local farmers and keeps everyone safe while enjoying the countryside.

"Thank you for your co-operation and for respecting our rural communities."

Collingham, 38, said he was "very upset" when a dog killed a lamb and caused stress to multiple pregnant sheep at his farm in 2024.

"My livestock were victims of it when a group of walkers on my farm lost control of their spaniel, which ran off and mauled and killed a lamb before I could get to it," he added.

"The dog had no history of such behaviour, and the owners were about a kilometre away and had given up searching, believing it would make its own way home.

"It was the classic 'my dog wouldn't do something like that' attitude."

The farmer said the recent Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill gaining Royal Assent was a "huge step forward" in stopping the problem.

The new amendment empowers police to introduce stronger enforcement powers and increased penalties for irresponsible dog ownership.

Police are now able to take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs they suspect of worrying livestock and ensure offenders can be ordered by the courts to pay the costs incurred by seizing and detaining a dog.

Collingham said he still wants people to enjoy the countryside but wants them to do so "safely and responsibly".

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