Please keep your dog on a lead and under close control

Whilst it is a joyful time for many, it can also be incredibly stressful for both farmers, animals and those who come to visit the countryside.

The view of a dog chasing around the fields and worrying livestock will send chills down a farmer's spine.

Last January, one attack by an out of control dog in north Monmouthshire killed 50 ewes, another attack in Cheshire on Christmas Eve 2020 resulted in 30 dead sheep. Sadly these are not isolated cases and farmers all over Wales are only too familiar with the chaos and trauma these events cause.

Both these attacks - and many more - came from family pets whose owners couldn’t believe their dogs were capable of such behaviour. It’s a serious problem.

We know that a countryside walk is one of life’s small pleasures and realise that for many dogs and their owners to get off the pavements and into the countryside is a real treat.

However, one of the most frustrating things for a farmer is to find a dog off the lead in their fields only to be told by the owner that the dog is under control.

Worse still is to see a dog approach livestock only to be told by the owner that it’s ‘just playing with them’.

For dog owners our message is simple - please keep your dog on a lead and under close control.

Not many of us would be able to distract a dog that has found an interest in the livestock in the field and the consequences for both livestock and dog could be devastating in equal measures.

It’s also worth remembering that ewes with lambs or cattle with calves are very protective of their young and might not react as expected when approached by strangers.

The best way to avoid any incidents here is to follow the Countryside Code and stay clear of the animals.

We all want people, and their dogs, to be able to enjoy the countryside but in a responsible manner.

Keep your dog under control on a short lead at all times so that you do not scare or disturb farm animals or wildlife.