The National Sheep Association (NSA) will intensify its work to highlight the devastating issue of sheep worrying by dogs during its weeklong awareness campaign beginning next month.
The annual campaign is timed to coincide with a period that often sees a spike in attacks on sheep, as day length increases and dog walkers begin to spend more time dog walking through countryside and fields, potentially home to livestock.
The spring months are also the peak season for lambing in the UK, meaning vulnerable livestock is even more at risk from being chased by dogs and physical, often fatal attacks.
Previous work by NSA on the issue has reflected years of increased reports of dog attacks on sheep, showing the urgent need for action to tackle this crisis that threatens animal welfare, and farmers’ mental wellbeing and livelihoods.
This year, for the first time, NSA has requested dog owners from across the UK share their experiences of sheep worrying with the aim of highlighting where education on the issue is lacking and how farmers, organisations and the public can work together to eradicate incidents.
NSA will use the 2026 survey results to continue to raise awareness of these incidents and find ways of improving education, guidance and cooperation with the general public.
For more information on the issue of sheep worrying by dogs and the work NSA is doing, click here.
