Isle of Wight sheep farmers are worried that the sharp rise in people walking their dogs in their fields could lead to more attacks on sheep and their lambs this Spring.
Angus Baird, who farms over 2,000 sheep on the Island, has had a series of dog attack in recent years, including 38 killed in a single attack in 2018.
In the latest incident at the end of 2020, an escaped husky chased 250 sheep for over an hour. While none suffered physical injuries, the sheep were highly stressed putting them at high risk of losing their lambs they were carrying.
Angus says:
“The problem is that with no physical injuries, there’s no evidence – but the sheep were highly stressed and I’m very concerned that that they will lamb OK.
“The number of people walking dogs has doubled during the last year. Most people sticking to footpaths and keeping their dogs under control – but some go anywhere and let their dogs run loose.
“What could happen when the ewes lamb in April and May is a real worry as almost every field, we farm has a footpath through it. My neighbours on the island, including my cousin, have has dog attacks on their sheep in the last few weeks.
“If you are walking you dog in livestock fields, please stay on footpaths and keep your dog on the lead – it’s every dog’s instinct to chase other animals – and when the chase is on it’s very hard to get dogs back under control.”
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Angus farms land around Godshill and Ryde. His family have reared sheep on the Isle of Wight since his father and brother moved to the Island to farm in 1969.
John Heather, NFU Mutual Agent for the Isle of Wight, adds:
“These attacks cause unbearable suffering to farm animals as well as huge anxiety for farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath.
“It’s a critical time in the farming calendar and there is widespread concern as we enter the peak lambing season, that there will be a surge in new visitors who are simply unaware of the countryside code or how their dog will behave around farm animals.
“Even if a dog doesn’t make physical contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause sheep to die or miscarry their lambs. It’s important that owners realise that all dog breeds, not just the big, fierce-looking ones, are capable of attacking livestock, or chasing them.
“We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s so important for people’s wellbeing. It’s vital that dog owners act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead at all times whenever there is a possibility livestock are nearby.”
Hoprfully farmers will start exercising their legal right to shoot dogs worrying livestock on their land.
In New Zealand you have a right to shoot any dog that is worrying your live stock or pets or adult or child on your property..Every pet owner is aware of this and avoid letting their dog off the lead. Not nice for the dog being shot mind you. Also big fines are issued. If you have a dog keep it under control for Christ’s sake. Be responsible. It’s not hard. Any farmer has the absolute right to protect his stock.
“These attacks cause unbearable suffering to farm animals”
As does separating ewes and lambs, so that they can be slaughtered at 6 to 7 months old.
I doubt many of you give a damn about though.
Just the same, angry, people calling for the dogs to be shot.