Dogs Worrying Livestock

Humberside Police  - Log 0349 17/04/2025

#RuralTaskForce The RTF have today received a report of dead Livestock.   A Young Lamb has been located by a farmer and it has sustained a fatal puncture wound in the lower chest area on the right. The lamb has been located in the CHERRY BURTON area. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident please call 101 quoting log 0349 17/04/2025. 

Please keep Dogs on leads around Livestock. #OpRecall #RuralCrime #Naturewatch Foundation #National Rural Crime Network #Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner

‘Livestock Worrying’ is where a dog attacks or chases livestock causing injury or suffering.

Livestock worrying causes stress and anguish for farmers seeing their animals suffering, in addition to

the significant financial impact felt.

Risks to the animal include:

Abortion during pregnancy

Injury, mutilation, death or euthanasia with associated financial loss and veterinary costs

Risk of animals escaping onto highway

Incidents often coincide with lambing period and an increase in countryside visitor numbers.

Note* Legislation allows a farmer to kill the dog if it’s worrying their livestock

A recent NFU Mutual survey highlighted the following:

• 64% of owners admit their dogs chase animals

• Almost half (46%) believe that their dog was not capable of injuring or killing livestock

• Nearly two thirds of owners let their dog roam off lead in the countryside

• 39% of owners admit their pets do not always come back when called

OP Recall is national initiative launched to raise awareness of the issue, educating the public

and partners on the impact of livestock worrying.

A short video highlighting the issues can be viewed https://youtu.be/brmpPlvRHro