We believe that the only way to reduce the number of dog attacks on sheep is for everyone to work together!
It is very very rare that a dog walker would deliberately allow their dog to attack a sheep. It is often extremely distressing for the owner who had a lovely dog turn into a vicious wolf before their very eyes - many dog owners are frightened and often do not know who to contact of what to do next.
We do not want to demonise dog walkers, we want communities to work together to better educate everyone, but also to understand some of the reasons for the problem. There is more information on this issue in our section about dog ownership.
It is very very rare that a dog walker would deliberately allow their dog to attack a sheep. It is often extremely distressing for the owner who had a lovely dog turn into a vicious wolf before their very eyes - many dog owners are frightened and often do not know who to contact of what to do next.
We do not want to demonise dog walkers, we want communities to work together to better educate everyone, but also to understand some of the reasons for the problem. There is more information on this issue in our section about dog ownership.
How can you better protect your sheep
- Support education around keeping dogs on leads near sheep. Maybe put some posters up in your vets. Give a talk in the local school or other community groups. This may be a pain but it will be worth it.
- Let dog walkers know when they are getting near to sheep so dog walkers can keep their dogs close and not allow them to charge through nearby fields - put signs up 'You are 200 meters from a sheep field'.
- Let dog walkers know when sheep are in a field that they are about to enter 'Sheep in field - dogs on leads please'. Sample
- Keep signs up to date. If people keep entering a field that says 'sheep - dogs on leads' and then it is empty, people can become sign blind as they don't know which sign is true and which is out of date. Thus they begin to ignore all signs.
- Don't forget to put your phone number on the gate so people know who to contact if they see an incident occur or discover injured sheep.
- Where possible block access under gates.
- If you see people crossing the land without a dog on a lead or not under proper control near sheep, confront them and let them know you will be informing the police as this is a crime. Photograph them and ask for their name and address. This could stop the dog attacking in the future and word soon gets about that you will not tolerate bad dog ownership.
- If you have had an attack but do not know who did it, chances are they will be back so put up cameras, catch them and make sure the police take them to court for damages.
Talk about the problem of dog attacks so people understand the reality - do not leave this hidden- it is a crime! Mention it in the pub, at dinner, at events, at a wedding - do not miss any opportunity.
Make sure people know that recently someone was fined £12,000 for their dog chasing sheep into a stream where they drowned.
Make sure people know that recently someone was fined £12,000 for their dog chasing sheep into a stream where they drowned.
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