Council praised for pre-lambing campaign on sheep worrying

Nottinghamshire County Council has been commended by sheep industry leaders after issuing a strong reminder ahead of lambing season, urging the public to keep dogs under control on rights of way to protect livestock.

In a letter sent to more than 200 parish councils, the rights of way team highlighted that even “well-behaved dogs can cause serious distress, injury or death to sheep and lambs if they are not kept under close control”.

See also: Dog attacks on livestock now carry unlimited fines

The guidance asks councils to share a message on websites and social media throughout February and March during the lambing season, advising walkers to keep dogs on short leads when near livestock, even if animals seem calm or distant.

The letter also outlined the legal position: farmers are entitled to protect their livestock and, if a dog worrying livestock cannot be brought under control, a farmer may lawfully shoot it as a last resort.

A graphic produced by the council © Nottinghamshire County Council

Recent legislative changes in England and Wales have increased penalties for livestock worrying, including unlimited fines and potential seizure of dogs.

Industry bodies, including representatives from the NFU and the National Sheep Association (NSA), welcomed the council’s proactive outreach, saying it supported wider efforts to reduce sheep worrying and raise awareness among dog owners.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said he was “delighted” to see this proactive initiative by Nottinghamshire County Council.

“Continual messaging and reminders from all sources, the NSA, landowners, the police, county councils, and others, is a really valuable part of getting the message through to dog owners,” he said. 

“The more we can work together and make responsible dog ownership the norm, the more chance we will have of getting on top of this soul-destroying and costly problem”.

NFU Nottinghamshire county chairman Oliver Collingham also welcomed the council’s move, saying he was personally affected by livestock worrying last year when a loose spaniel mauled and killed one of his sheep.

He added: “Raising the profile of this issue will, I hope, act as a real deterrent and make a significant difference for farmers across Nottinghamshire and the welfare of their livestock.”

Ongoing concern

Latest figures from the rural insurer NFU Mutual show the estimated cost of livestock being injured or killed in dog attacks fell by about 26% to £1.8m in 2024, following industry awareness campaigns, though dog attacks on livestock remain a concern.

Only about 40% of dog owners say their pets always return when called, and 57% say they let them off leads in the countryside, emphasising the need for continued education.