Farmers facing a dog attack on livestock are advised to ask someone to film or photograph what is happening while they try to deal with the incident.
A new law coming into effect this month gives police more powers to combat the attacks – allowing them to take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs they suspect of worrying livestock.
Offenders now face bigger penalties. Police can detain dogs they suspect of worrying livestock where nobody is present to accept responsibility for the animal. Courts can order offenders to pay the costs incurred by seizing and detaining the dog.
Easter is seen as a key time for dog attacks. NFU Mutual figures suggest 57% of people let their dogs off lead in the countryside, with 1 in 10 admitting their dog has no recall, and 44% saying their dog comes back only some or most of the time.
NFU Mutual rural affairs spokesperson Hannah Binns said: “We continue to hear reports of dogs injuring or killing sheep while owners are either unable to control their pets or are nowhere to be found.
Some 74% of dog owners believe the new legislation will help reduce livestock worrying. NFU livestock chairman David Barton urged people to keep dogs on a short lead – especially with their lambing season well under way.
UK Police NPCC lead for livestock attacks Rob Taylor said he believed the new law, coming into effect in March, “will make a real difference in how cases are investigated and dealt with by our courts. Additionally, we are now working with the Blue Cross to help educate dog owners about the dangers of allowing a dog to roam in the countryside and what it means to be responsible.”