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'My sheep are chased and attacked every day'

Howick Coastguard Two men wearing high vis clothing surround a sheep on the rocks. It has a bite on its face.Howick Coastguard
A sheep had to be rescued from rocks near Craster with a bite on its face on Sunday

A farmer whose land includes a popular coastal footpath says he believes his sheep are chased and attacked by dogs "every day".

On Sunday, a pregnant ewe was rescued from rocks near Craster, Northumberland, with a bite to its face after reportedly being pursued by four dogs.

Philip Grey said he had lost "at least 10 sheep in the last three to four years".

"Many of the other attacks we don't get to know about because often they get chased into the sea and drown," he said.

According to the National Sheep Association (NSA), police forces have reported a rise in sheep attacks over recent years.

In the NSA's 2024 sheep worrying survey, 78% of police rural crime teams said there had been an increase in dog attacks.

A majority of forces (57%) said sheep attacks were the most common rural crime.

Getty Images The ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle with sheep in a field in front of it. You can see the main gatehouse and walls next to it Getty Images
The public footpath to Dunstanburgh Castle passes through fields of livestock

Mr Grey's farm includes a stretch between Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle, described as one of the most picturesque walks in the country.

The scenery draws thousands of walkers a year, many with dogs.

"It's the 5% that are idiots and just ignore the signs and have no idea of the impact their dogs are having when they chase sheep," Mr Grey said.

"That ewe that went into the sea on Sunday will probably abort now because of the shock, and won't come into lamb again so that's a big loss of income for me."

Howick Coastguard A sheep is standing in about a foot of water surrounded by rocks.Howick Coastguard
HM Coastguard was called after members of the public saw a sheep being chased into the water by dogs

Mr Grey said he received messages from the pub in Craster about his sheep being chased "all the time".

"We go to several major incidents a year where sheep have been injured and some have to be put down," he said.

"They're just the ones we know about, but my sheep will be chased hundreds of times a year, I reckon.

"I don't understand why the public can't do one simple thing, just keep your dog on a lead."

The Countryside Code says it is "good practice" for walkers to keep their dogs on leads around livestock wherever they are, and it is a legal requirement to do so on Open Access land and at the coast.

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