'Distracted' dog owners placing sheep 'at risk of fatal injuries'

Distracted dog owners who believe their pets would never attack farm animals are putting sheep at risk of fatal injuries, new research has revealed.

NFU Mutual’s latest survey of over 1,100 dog owners has found that despite 64% admitting their dogs chase animals, almost half (46%) believe their dog was not capable of injuring or killing livestock.

Many said they were unaware that even if their pet doesn’t make contact with a sheep, the distress and exhaustion caused by being chased can trigger a pregnant ewe to die or miscarry.