FEW can deny the sheer joy of seeing new lambs gambolling in the fields; it is a true sign that spring is here and that brighter and longer days are ahead, writes FUW president Glyn Roberts.

New life is always a cause for celebration and joy and brings with it a sense of optimism for the year ahead. 

However, the stark reality for sheep farmers is that avoidable losses to their spring flock due to dog attacks causes not only financial, but untold physical and mental stresses with the effects rippling across the whole farm and community.

Despite numerous industry campaigns calling on dog walkers to keep dogs on a lead near livestock, dog attacks on livestock remain a major concern for farmers in Wales.

Irresponsible dog ownership creates a financial and emotional burden on the farmer and a significant welfare issue for both sheep and dogs.

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Whilst it is acknowledged that many dog attacks happen by unaccompanied dogs straying from the home environment, the likelihood of an increase in visitor numbers enjoying the countryside this spring and summer means that the FUW’s simple message of keeping your dog on a lead remains vitally important to the health and welfare of our national flock.

The FUW has long campaigned for a significant strengthening of current legislation in order to improve the investigative and enforcement powers given to the police and to make the penalties fit the seriousness of this crime.  

At the end of last year, the FUW gave evidence to the Public Bill Committee in relation to the new UK Kept Animals Bill as it pertains to dog attacks on livestock.

The union has welcomed many of the provisions in the Bill, including greater powers for police to enter suspect premises, seize and detain a dog and collect samples for the purpose of gathering evidence of an offence.

However, whilst these provisions are welcomed, the FUW remains concerned at the provisions in the Bill which relate to the definition of dogs being ‘under close control’.

In a field near livestock, there is absolutely no guarantee that a dog will return promptly and reliably when called and dogs roaming freely near sheep or cattle continue to represent a significant welfare threat.

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The FUW continues to call for a mandatory requirement for all dogs to be on a lead in fields near or adjacent to livestock and we continue to monitor legislative developments in this area.

Indeed, whilst it is positive that measures are being brought forward which will help identify irresponsible dog owners and deal with problem dogs, it is even more important that farmers are offered as much protection as possible in order to prevent dog attacks from occurring at all.

We will continue to educate dog walkers about the importance of keeping dogs on a lead at all times whilst on farmland and near livestock, and as such we will continue to work with members to put measures in place to reduce these horrific, but wholly avoidable, attacks.