Dog attacks on livestock cost farmers £1.95m in 2025

Farm animals worth £1.95m were killed or injured in dog attacks across the UK in 2025, a 10% annual rise, new figures show.

Data released by NFU Mutual estimates the cost of livestock worrying reached £1.95m last year, up from 2024.

See also: Dog attacks on livestock now carry unlimited fines

Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said:

“As the lambing season gets under way, a time when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable, it is deeply concerning to see the estimated cost of livestock worrying rise to nearly £2m in 2025.

“Ignoring the risks is never an option; regardless of breed, size, or temperament, all dogs can chase, injure or kill livestock.”

The findings coincide with the insurer’s survey of 1,407 dog owners published on 17 February.

The survey found 57% of owners allow their dogs off-leash in the countryside.

One in 10 said their dog has no recall, while 44% reported their pets return only “some” or “most” of the time.

One in 20 admitted their dog had chased livestock, and more than three-fifths believed other owners in their area did not treat livestock worrying as a serious issue.

Despite this, 72% said they were not actively taking steps to prevent their dogs from chasing farm animals, and nearly two-thirds did not believe their dogs were capable of harming or killing livestock.

Enhanced powers

The figures follow the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act, which grants police enhanced powers to investigate and respond to attacks in England and Wales.

In Wales, 87% of those surveyed said they believed the legislation would help reduce incidents, compared with 74% in England.

Rob Taylor, the UK Police NPCC lead for livestock attacks, said:

“It is alarming to see a rise in the estimated cost of livestock worrying, and the dreadful impact it has on our farming communities.”

In England, the Midlands recorded the highest estimated cost at £438,000, followed by the South East at £330,000.

The National Sheep Association will launch a week-long awareness campaign on 30 March 2026 to highlight the issue during the peak lambing period, using the hashtag #LeadOn.