Preventing Attacks on Sheep

The prevalence and impact of attacks on sheep across Scotland by dogs and predation by wildlife will be systematically researched for the first time in Scotland. The research will explore the wide ranging impacts on sheep from such attacks, the financial and emotional impact on farmers, and will also investigate measures to prevent attacks and minimise impact where they do occur.

Mairi Gougeon, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment said:

It can be hugely distressing for farmers to lose livestock to dog attacks, not just because of the financial implications of treating or replacing lost animals, or the disruption to breeding programmes, but also because of the suffering of the animals. The Scottish Government is determined to help find more effective ways of preventing such attacks, and of minimising their impact, which is why we’re taking a positive, practical, and evidence-based approach to clarify the issues and identify solutions.

Lorraine Murray, Research Director at Ipsos Scotland, said:

This is the first Scotland-wide study to measure how common these attacks are. In May, we will be selecting a representative sample of sheep farmers and inviting them to complete a short survey, online or by telephone. We would encourage everyone selected to take part – whether or not they have experienced attacks on their own sheep. We will gain valuable information from those whose sheep have been attacked, and equally from those whose sheep have not been attacked, perhaps due to factors or actions that could be used to prevent attacks elsewhere.

Fiona Lovatt, consultant sheep vet, said:

Sheep worrying is still a subject of real concern to sheep farmers. Sheep attacks can be hugely distressing - most certainly for the sheep themselves but also for farmers and their families. Injuries are often severe and it is important that we accurately measure both the prevalence and impact of attacks so that meaningful actions can be put in place.

If you have been selected to take part in the survey and are trying to access it, please follow this link and then enter the unique code which you’ll find in the box half-way down the front page of your letter.

Background

The research commissioned by the Scottish Government is being carried out by Ipsos Scotland, working with Dr Fiona Lovatt, a specialist in sheep health and production.

A representative sample of sheep farmers will be invited by letter to take part in the research on dog attacks and predation by wildlife. The letter will include a link to the online survey.

A separate consultation was launched on 21 February by Emma Harper MSP in connection with a proposed Member's Bill that aims to give police, courts and potentially other agencies more powers to tackle attacks on sheep by dogs offences.

Attacks by dogs and predation by wildlife are major sources of frustration and distress for sheep farmers. In addition to the potential for injuries and death from attacks, being chased or harassed can significantly harm the welfare of sheep due to the fear and distress caused.

Recently the number of reports of attacks on sheep by dogs in Scotland has increased significantly; groups representing the sheep industry see this as a major issue not just for animal welfare and economic reasons but also in terms of farmers emotional welfare. Wildlife attacks on sheep, particularly lambs, are also claimed to have significant impact on some farms and anecdotally have also been increasing.

Despite this there is little reliable data on the scale of the issue in Scotland; something the research aims to address.

Invitations to participate in the survey will be sent out in May and the project is due to be completed in the summer of 2019.