Dog attacks could 'become norm' as sheep sector sees rise in incidents

The sheep sector is at risk of being permanently forced to live with the consequences of dog attacks, the National Sheep Association has warned as it published its annual survey into the issue.

New findings into the crime have revealed 'disheartened and discouraged' farmers who fear the threat of sheep worrying affecting their flocks on a regular basis.

In the survey of more than 300 sheep farmers, 70% had experienced a sheep worrying attack in the past 12 months.

On average, three sheep deaths were reported each year per farmer as a result of dog attacks.

This does not take into account production losses in sheep, including miscarriage, that were reported by almost 70% of respondents.