Sheep worrying campaign warns dog owners to act

The National Sheep Association has launched its 2026 campaign urging responsible dog owners to help prevent sheep-worrying incidents, as lambing season intensifies across the countryside.

New survey data collected by the NSA from more than 2,000 UK dog owners shows a high awareness of the issue but inconsistent understanding.

While 97% of respondents said they were familiar with sheep worrying, only 65% recognised that dogs simply being off leads near sheep could constitute an offence.

See also: New livestock-worrying laws coming into force

The findings also highlight how frequently dog walking occurs near livestock, with most respondents living within two miles of grazing animals.

This proximity increases the everyday risk to sheep, particularly during lambing.

Even without physical contact, loose dogs can trigger miscarriages, separate ewes from lambs, and disrupt entire flocks.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “While it is encouraging awareness of sheep worrying is increasing, these findings clearly show that understanding doesn’t always translate into the right actions.

“Too many dog owners still underestimate how quickly a situation can escalate when a dog is off-lead near sheep.”

Lack of control

The survey also revealed uncertainty around what it means for a dog to be “under control”.

Although 79% of respondents said they would use a lead near sheep, 44% admitted letting dogs off lead on common land, and 31% on farmland.

More than 10% of respondents said their dog had been involved in a sheep worrying incident, while 16% reported dogs escaping from gardens, presenting an additional threat to livestock.

Mr Stocker added: “Even the most well-trained dog can behave unpredictably around livestock. What many owners see as harmless exercise can have devastating consequences for farmers, both emotionally and financially.”

Legal awareness was relatively high, with most respondents recognising that penalties such as fines, compensation and dogs being shot could happen.

However, fewer were aware of potential imprisonment or bans on dog ownership.

The campaign also highlights what the solutions might be, including clearer signage, improved fencing and increased education.

It will run from 30 March to 6 April, coinciding with increased countryside visits during spring and Easter.

Scotland

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is also warning dog owners to keep pets under control during lambing season.

The warning forms part of a joint campaign to mark Sheep Worrying Awareness Week with the NSA and the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS).

NFUS policy manager Rhiana Montgomery said: “NFU Scotland is urging dog owners to act responsibly by keeping dogs under close control around farmland, stressing that livestock worrying is a serious offence and entirely preventable.”

The NSA has also launched a list of dog trainers across the UK who offer livestock avoidance courses on its website.