SheepWatch UK has been set up in response to the growing number of dog attacks on sheep.

Aims to encourage education about sheep farming

A group called SheepWatch UK has been set up in response to the growing number of dog attacks on sheep.

Figures published on the organisation’s website show that almost 500 sheep have been attacked by dogs so far this year, of which 340 were killed. The figures do not include sheep that will die of shock later or unborn lambs.

Working together with the NFU, the National Sheep Association and the Kennel Club, SheepWatchUK aims to reduce the number of dog attacks on sheep.

Terena Plowright, one of the founders of SheepWatch UK, told Farmers Weekly that dog owners needed to be educated about the damage their dogs could do.

“Many dogs being walked along footpaths off the lead near sheep can suddenly become hunters when sheep run,” she said.

“People cannot believe their dogs can suddenly turn until it is too late. The other issue is gardens that are not properly fenced so the dog runs loose, again placing sheep in severe danger.

“Luckily, the majority of dog owners care about their dogs and keep them safe at night and on a lead near sheep so we just need to educate a minority.”

SheepWatch UK collects information from farmers about sheep attacks via their UK record of attack form.

On 3 June, the group will be holding a free conference to learn about existing campaigns and share knowledge on situations across the UK.

To find out more and to book a place, visit: http://www.terena.co.uk/national-conference.html.