Dog attacks on sheep and other livestock take their toll on Yorkshire farmers

Farm animals worth £40,000 were savaged by dogs in Yorkshire last year, according to NFU Mutual.

The peak time for attacks is January-April during the lambing period.

More owners are letting dogs roam free in countryside, despite over half admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets under control, as horrific attacks on sheep and other livestock continue to take their toll on Yorkshire farmers.

New statistics released by rural insurer NFU Mutual, show the cost of dog attacks on livestock was £40,000 in Yorkshire last year.

A survey of dog owners commissioned by the company showed that 63% of dog owners are letting their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

As peak lambing season approaches, NFU Mutual is calling for dog owners to ensure their pets are under control at all times when livestock are nearby and to report out-of-control dogs to a local farmer or the police.

• England saw an overall increase of 15% in the cost of livestock worrying. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all saw falls of 30%, 15% and 61% respectively.