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NSA survey reveals impact of sheep worrying
Fifty-seven per cent of police forces said sheep worrying was their most common rural crime.
Survey finds 78 per cent of rural crime teams saw an increase in cases.

Research conducted by the National Sheep Association (NSA) has revealed that sheep worrying cases are continuing to rise, causing more animals to miscarry, become injured, or die.

The data has been released to mark Sheep Worrying Awareness Week, running from 25 March to 1 April, which raises awareness of the impact that dogs can have with sheep worrying.

A survey of police forces in the UK found that 78 per cent of rural crime teams had seen an increase in dog attacks on sheep in recent years. Fifty-seven per cent of police forces said sheep worrying was their most frequently reported rural crime.

Seventy-six per cent of rural crime forces said they responded to sheep worrying incidents at least once a month. Thirty-three per cent saying it was as often as once a week.

This was corroborated by a survey of farmers, who also said they had seen an increase in cases.

The majority of police forces surveyed said that dogs being exercised off-lead were a major contributor to incidents, as well as owners showing a lack of responsibility for the consequences of dog attacks.

NSA says that sheep worrying, where dogs chase sheep during dog walks, can do the farm animals serious harm. Sheep can be killed or seriously injured when attempting to escape a dog, and the stress can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs.

Dog bites can cause death, or sheep to be put down at a later date. Where sheep survive, bites can still result in considerable veterinary bills and additional welfare issues.

However many of the police forces surveyed did claim to be confident in handling sheep worrying incidents, and encouraged farmers to report and engage with local rural crime teams.

Nicola Noble, NSA project manager, said: “Whilst the 2024 NSA survey has confirmed the concerning rise in sheep worrying by dogs cases there are clearly positive steps being made by rural crime teams to engage with dog owners in an effort to raise awareness and reduce these serious, upsetting attacks.

“By working with the police and by using warning signs for dog owners when livestock are grazing in certain fields, were recognised as the best method of deterrence and can hopefully help farmers reduce the number of attacks on their animals.”

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.