Cost of livestock worrying rises to almost £2m, new figures show

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Farm animals worth an estimated £1.95m were severely injured or killed by dogs across the UK in 2025, a 10% increase on the previous year, according to new data from rural insurer NFU Mutual.

The Midlands was the worst-hit region by cost, with livestock attacks totalling £438,000, followed by the South East at £330,000.

The figures were released alongside results from NFU Mutual’s latest dog owner survey, which found that 57% of respondents let their dogs off the lead in the countryside.

One in 10 admitted their dog has no recall, while 44% said their pet returned only ‘some’ or ‘most of the time’.

Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Farmers across the UK are living with the constant fear of repeat incidents, which cause immense suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside and welcome members of the public being able to see where their food is produced, but dog owners must do this responsibly.”

The issue remains a major concern for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), which has campaigned for stronger enforcement powers.

NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton said: “Anecdotally, we continue to hear reports of dogs injuring or killing sheep while owners are either unable to control their pets or are nowhere to be found.

“Ignoring the risks is never an option; regardless of breed, size, or temperament, all dogs can chase, injure or kill livestock.

“Even without physical contact, the stress of being chased can lead to exhaustion and stress, and in some cases separate young lambs from their mothers, which can lead to them being orphaned.”

The NFU welcomed the passage of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Act at the end of last year.

The updated law gives police in England and Wales enhanced powers, reflecting technological and scientific developments since the original 1953 legislation.

According to NFU Mutual’s data, 87% of dog owners in Wales believe the new legislation will help reduce livestock worrying, compared with 74% in England.

Rob Taylor, UK Police National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for livestock attacks, said the new law, which comes into effect in March, “will make a real difference in how cases are investigated and dealt with by our courts”.

“Additionally, we are now working with the Blue Cross to help educate dog owners about the dangers of allowing a dog to roam in the countryside and what it means to be responsible.”

NFU Mutual is urging dog owners to keep pets on a lead when walking near livestock and to report any incidents promptly.

Police advise dialling 999 if a crime is in progress, calling 101 to report non-urgent incidents, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously online or via 0800 555 111.