EFFORTS are being made to keep a tight leash on livestock worrying in the district.
Stratford District Council’s rural crime advisors are participating in ‘Operation Recall’ – a national initiative aimed at stopping dogs attacking farm animals, especially sheep.
The initiative is being promoted by Warwickshire Police who are working with other forces around the country and other partner agencies, such as the National Farmers’ Union, Country Land and Business Association, National Sheep Association and the RSPCA.
As the weather improves and newborn and young animals can be seen across the countryside, reports of livestock worrying increase, including deaths and injury due to attacks by dogs on all kinds of animals, especially sheep.
To help with this initiative, SDC’s team is raising awareness of the importance of responsible dog ownership across south Warwickshire.
This work involves visiting rural areas where dog attacks on livestock have already been reported, to discuss safe dog walking with members of the public and provide the National Sheep Association’s ‘Enjoy your dog walks’ information leaflet.
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock and dog owners risk prosecution.
While the majority of dog owners do walk their dogs in a responsible manner, unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.
SDC’s law spokesperson Coun Natalie Gist said: “Operation Recall is extremely important to our rural communities in Stratford district. Livestock worrying has a devastating impact on local farmers and can be easily curbed through appropriate control of animals. We all must take responsibility for protecting local livestock. Please keep your dog on a lead when livestock is present. The district council’s rural crime advisors have worked on Operation Recall for several years and are looking for areas to target and engage the public to prevent harm to livestock.”
Sargeant Ruth Day, of the rural crime team at Warwickshire Police, added: “Livestock worrying causes real financial and emotional harm to farmers, and it is completely avoidable. Operation Recall allows us to take a proactive approach – educating dog owners, increasing patrols, and responding swiftly to reports. Simply keeping dogs on a lead around livestock prevents these incidents, and we’re asking the public to help us protect the animals and livelihoods that are vital to our rural communities.”
