NFU event to urge dog walkers to act responsibly

The NFU has joined with companions to inspire dog walkers to put pets on a lead when strolling close to cattle and practice the geographical region code.

Latest figures from insurer NFU Mutual display the price of claims for dog assaults on cattle rose by way of 50% throughout the primary quarter of 2021 in comparison with 2020.

Livestock value £1.3m used to be savaged by way of out-of-control canine remaining yr – a upward thrust of 10% on 2019 figures.

See additionally: What to do if you happen to’re a sufferer of… sheep being worried

The rural insurer has attributed the rise in assaults to extra other folks purchasing canine throughout the lockdown – however then failing to educate them correctly and stay them on a lead close to cattle.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Rebecca Davidson stated the assaults had “caused appalling suffering to farm animals and huge anxiety for farmers and their families”.

Partnership

To lift consciousness of the worsening drawback, an event in Surrey will see NFU representatives joined by way of companions together with the National Trust, Surrey Police, police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend, and Mole Valley MP Sir Paul Beresford in speaking to  dog walkers.

The event will happen at 10.30am on Tuesday 10 August on the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey, close to Dorking (automobile park RH5 6BD).

Surrey NFU adviser Romy Jackson stated the choice of dog assaults on cattle remained “unacceptably high” and assaults had been significantly affecting farmers’ livelihoods. 

“As we’re seeing an above-average number of people and pets in the countryside as the pandemic continues, we’re taking this opportunity to educate dog walkers,” she defined.

“We hope to give an explanation for how farmers play an important function within the control of the Surrey Hills, generating our meals and taking good care of this excellent panorama.

“We encourage people to show appreciation by keeping dogs on leads around livestock and picking up their poo, which can be harmful to animals, especially cattle. Always bag and bin your dog’s poo – any bin will do.”

The NFU is campaigning for leads to change into regulation when canine are walked close to cattle.

‘Staycation’ assaults

The National Sheep Association (NSA) stated sheep farmers had suffered each financially and emotionally from a upward thrust in sheep being worried offences during the last 18 months.

Countless common rural vacationer spots are on operating farmland, with many farmers operating onerous to care for footpaths and public rights of method in order that guests can benefit from the geographical region.

NSA leader government Phil Stocker stated he feared assaults on flocks would upward thrust as soon as once more throughout the “staycation” summer season, with many households taking their pets with them to the geographical region.

He added: “It is crucially important that dog owners must be aware of the serious issue of sheep worrying by dogs and take action to be a responsible dog owner.”