With peak lambing season underway, the NFU, Kent Police and Kent Trading Standards are working together to raise awareness of the issue and urge people to keep their dogs on a lead around livestock.

The latest figures from insurer NFU Mutual show that farm animals in the South East of England worth an estimated £139,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, up 23% on 2023.

This contrasts with the UK trend, which saw almost £1.8m of livestock injured or killed in these incidents, down 26% compared to 2023.

Many incidents go unreported

Livestock farmers in Kent have also reported a significant rise in attacks on their farm animals.

Kent sheep farmer and NFU member Tobin Bird, who farms near Cranbrook, started his dog training business, Sheep Proof Your Dog, 12 years ago to tackle the problem.

Mr Bird said: “These figures are very concerning and there are also many incidents that are not reported, which are not included in the figures.

“People often come to me for dog training after an incident. I was training about 300 dogs a year. That shot up to 500 a year for a period after lockdown.

“We have seen a rise in dog ownership. People are often unaware of what their dogs are capable of and how quickly things can get out of control. It is vital that people keep their dog on a lead around livestock.

“People need to be aware of their surroundings and make sure their dogs are properly trained. Treat-based training does not work when it comes to stopping dogs from chasing livestock.

“It is also important to check your properties and gardens are secure when you have dogs.”

Huge emotional and financial cost

Livestock worrying includes barking, chasing, biting and killing. It is a criminal offence and dog owners could be liable for prosecution or a fine.

Under the Animals Act 1971, a dog could be shot if caught in the act by a landowner, as a last resort. Incidents cause anxiety, miscarriage, and terrible injuries, often leading to euthanasia by a vet.

Mr Bird said: “I’ve seen some horrible incidents - it is awful to see animals suffer this way.

“The dog often thinks it is playing a game, but the stress of being chased can lead to sheep having a miscarriage. Livestock worrying also has a huge emotional and financial impact on farmers.

“I appreciate that most dog owners are responsible, but everyone needs to take responsibility for their pets in order to tackle this very serious issue.”

Follow the Countryside Code

Samantha Padfield, operations manager for the Compliance Food Chain team at Kent Trading Standards, which works with farmers across the county, said: “We want to make people aware of the risk to livestock if your dog is off its lead near a herd or flock. Its predator instinct can be triggered, especially if cows or sheep panic and start to run.

“As well as bites, the animals can injure themselves running or jumping in fear and there is the threat of miscarriage at this time of the year.

“You and your family might also find yourselves in a dangerous situation with charging cattle.

“Our county is beautiful and there are footpaths there to be enjoyed, but to stop everyone’s day taking a terrible turn for the worst, heed the warning signs while you are out and about. Take unpredictability and risk out of it and simply keep your dog on the lead.”

People are advised to follow the Countryside Code, available here.