‘People need to realise how dangerous their dogs are when they are left off the lead’

The FUW has joined North Wales Police in reminding members of the public to keep their dogs on a lead following a recent spate of deadly dog attacks on local farmer Wil Williams’ sheep in Aberdaron.

Speaking with the Union recently, PC Dewi Rhys Evans of NW Rural Crime Team said: “It’s frustrating to see so many incidents of livestock worrying recently, each of which could have been easily avoided with responsible dog ownership. Once again we are urging people to keep their dogs under control, on a lead. We are currently working with Liverpool John Moores University on a study that aims to identify the best methods of obtaining dog DNA from animal wounds.”

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW Senior Policy Officer, added: “Dog attacks on livestock continue despite numerous industry campaigns aimed at educating dog walkers about the risks their dogs pose near livestock. The impact of a dog attack on a farming family is tremendous. Our farmers are repeatedly faced with a field of dead or dying stock following a dog attack and many are at financial and emotional breaking point”