NSA will intensify its work to highlight the devastating issue of sheep worrying by dogs during its week long awareness campaign next week.

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 recreational time walking through fields, potentially home to livestock. The spring months are also the peak season for lambing in the UK, meaning vulnerable stock is even more at risk from being chased by dogs and physical, often fatal attacks.

NSA’s previous work on the issue has demonstrated recurring 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 NSA has sought feedback from Police rural crime teams across the country on their experiences of sheep worrying cases with the aim of highlighting the need for strengthened policy on the issue and the role that police teams can have in preventing continued attacks.

To begin the week of campaign activity NSA will share results of the survey with members of the press and any interested members on Monday 25th March from 12 noon until 1pm. Registrations are invited for the launch meeting by clicking here. An evening webinar will also take place giving advice on what to do in the case of a sheep worrying attack on your flock (See below).

The campaign will include social media activity using the campaign hashtag #LeadOn, online case studies and content on the NSA website. Members are encouraged to share social content to help spread awareness of this devastating issue.

For more information on sheep worrying by dogs and NSA’s work on this please visit www.sheepworrying.org.uk