Coronavirus in the countryside: The dramatic rise in sheep and cattle attacks

  • Meridian
Farmers say they've seen a dramatic rise in attacks on their sheep and cattle

Farmers say they've seen a dramatic rise in attacks on their sheep and cattle during the coronavirus crisis.

More dog walkers have been taking to the countryside as a means of exercising during the pandemic. But some dogs have ended up killing or badly injuring lambs in fields. Several flocks have been attacked in the South Downs.

Farmers say there's been a rise in the number of attacks on sheep and cattle

During the coronavirus crisis many of us have been getting closer to nature. But it appears some dogs have been getting too close for comfort.

Tim Carnaghan has lost eight lambs to dog attacks in his fields near Brighton since March. Usually it's one or two a year.

Tim Carnaghan has lost eight lambs to dog attacks in his fields near Brighton since March
Tim Carnaghan has lost eight lambs to dog attacks in his fields near Brighton since March

  • Tim Carnaghan, Farmer

Dozens of sheep have been killed across the South Downs in Hampshire and Sussex with at least five in West Oxfordshire. 

Some people are exploring the countryside for the first time. But some are unaware that gates must be closed and dogs kept under control.

Dozens of sheep and cattle have been killed across the South Downs in Hampshire and Sussex

These cows ended up on the University of Sussex campus after being chased by dogs.

Rangers are backing calls form the Country Land and Business Association for an education campaign about how to behave in the countryside, in light of livestock attacks, vandalism and litter.

These cows ended up on the University of Sussex campus after being chased by dogs

  • Paul Corringe, Ranger

The South Down stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne and it's no surprise that during the pandemic people want to be out and about enjoying themselves, but for some farmers it has come at a cost.  

Andrew Flake lost one of his rams after it was chased into a stream near Lancing and killed.  The cost of replacing it - around £1,000.

The NFU are urging dog owners to be responsible

  • Andrew Flake, Farmer

The National Farmers Union accepts that people should enjoy the countryside but it's urging dog walkers to act responsibly.

The coronavirus crisis is highlighting the need to respect and protect the countryside.