Dog attack on sheep had 'massive impact', says farmer

A farmer whose sheep were attacked by dogs has said the incident was "devastating".

John Hazlett from County Fermanagh told BBC News NI that he hasn't slept properly for "weeks" since the attack.

"I'm worried about dogs coming back again, I'm worried about the sheep that were attacked; them aborting lambs."

Agricultural insurer NFU Mutual has said the cost of dog attacks on livestock in Northern Ireland rose almost 50% last year to an estimated £218,000.

That is in contrast to the rest of the UK, where the value of livestock killed or severely injured in attacks fell by 26%.

Hannah Binns from NFU Mutual said the data was "worrying" at a time of year when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable.

"Farmers across the country are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath," she said.

"Anecdotally, we've heard of many incidents where dogs have injured and killed sheep, and the owner is powerless to stop it or is nowhere to be seen."

John Hazlett's sheep were attacked by local dogs in January, killing one of his flock.

Mr Hazlett said that his flock are "more than sheep".

"They're the livelihood and we see them everyday and we talk to them everyday and it's part of our life and it's just a massive impact on our lives when something happens like this."

More than half of the dog owners surveyed by NFU Mutual said they would let their dogs off the lead in the countryside, with just 40% saying the animal always returned when called.

Almost half - 43% - believed their dog was capable of causing death or injury to livestock, up 11% on 2023.

The statistics also showed that just over half would intervene to stop an attack, while only 20% would tell a farmer.

"Ignorance isn't bliss when it comes to dog attacks on livestock; regardless of size, breed or temperament, all dogs are capable of chasing, injuring and killing farm animals," it said.

"It is vital dog owners act responsibly and keep their pets on leads wherever livestock may be nearby to prevent these needless attacks.

"It is crucial people accept responsibility for their dog if there is an incident and report it, to a local farmer and the police, so that any injured animals are not left suffering in pain."

Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) John McClenaghan said the figures were "very disappointing".

Speaking to BBC News NI's Good Morning Ulster programme, Mr McClenaghan said dog attacks are "something we would be hearing more and more from farmers".

"Pets are a brilliant thing to own, but they do come with a responsibility and the countryside is a brilliant place to enjoy but it also comes with a responsibility," he said.

"The message to dog owners is act responsibly."

He urged owners to keep their dog on a lead when walking through the countryside and when there is livestock around.

"It is important that dogs are properly trained. It is the owners responsibility and the owners fault when these things happen," he added.

"It is devastating when these things happen, there is the financial cost but as always there is other factors, it is extremely stressful."

Across the UK figures in some areas, like Wales, where there has been a 64% reduction in the cost of attacks, there has been a fall in estimated costs.

Nigel Rainey, a farmer from Portadown, has described an attack by a dog on his sheep flock as "our worst nightmare".

Mr Rainey's 14-year-old son's first pedigree Texel ewe was among the five pregnant animals killed in the attack.

Another four sheep aborted their lambs.

Mr Rainey discovered the aftermath of the attack on his flock while walking around the farm with his children.

"It was very distressing for me to come into the field and see the dead and injured sheep – but it was worse for our four children who were with me doing the rounds," he said.

The third-generation farmer said the sheep were the second batch due to lamb and were out grazing at the time of the attack.

He added that when he arrived to the field, he realised there was something "badly wrong".

"The sheep were split into two groups, huddled in corners of the field," he said.

"Then we found injured sheep, and then two dead ewes which had been chased into a ditch where they drowned."

The financial impact of the incident ran to "several thousand pounds" when the cost of extra feed, aborted lambs, and time spent cleaning up and moving the flock was taken into account, Mr Rainey said.

He added that in a small flock like his, the effect on his breeding programme was "serious".

"There was no sign of the dog – it must have got loose from a house or been allowed to roam in the night and attacked the sheep when no-one was around."