Sheep Worrying
Written by Emma Finch
Reviewed by Shula Berg BVSc CertAVP(GSAS) GPAdvCert(SASTS) MRCVS
- Introduction
- Why sheep worrying is the responsibility of all dog owners
- Advice for dog owners
- Conclusion
Sheep worrying is where a dog either attacks sheep, chases them in a way likely to cause injury or suffering, or is ‘at large’, meaning not on a lead or under close control.
Dogs can cause serious harm even if they don’t catch or bite the sheep. Being chased by a dog can cause sheep to be killed or injured in their efforts to escape, and also result in ewes miscarrying their lambs from the stress and exertion. Lambs separated from their mothers during a chase can succumb to hypothermia or starvation.
It’s a common misconception that only aggressive dogs worry sheep. In reality every dog, no matter their size or breed, has a natural instinct to chase moving objects. Even a dog that does not give chase will cause distress if it encroaches too close to the sheep, as they are a prey species and will assume they are under threat. It is your responsibility as an owner to ensure that your dog is under full control at all times – the only way to be 100% certain of this is to use a lead when near livestock.
Allowing a dog to worry sheep is a criminal offence, with owners liable to prosecution and a fine. As a last resort, where there is no other reasonable option, it is legal for farmers to shoot a dog that is endangering livestock.
Farmers and their families have to shoulder the physical, financial and emotional burden of dealing with the outcome of attacks on sheep, which can have a significant impact on their livelihood, income and mental health.
Advice for Dog Owners
Keep your dog on a lead
The law requires that dogs be under close control and the simplest way of achieving this is to keep your dog on a lead, even if you believe them to be well trained.
The only exception to this is if you are chased by cattle, where you should let go of your dog’s lead as they will run faster than you.
Check your equipment
Ensure that your dog’s collar or harness is secure and well-fitting and that their lead is in a good state of repair. Dogs can reverse out of loose collars and old, worn leads can fail if a dog lunges.
Train your dog
If your dog broke free of its lead, would you still have control? Training can help to overcome the natural chase instinct; consider enlisting the help of a dog trainer experienced in livestock issues. Engage frequently with your dog on walks and carry high-value treats or a toy to reward recalls and other obedient behaviour.
Know where your dog is at all times
Check your fences and gates at home – sheep worrying is frequently carried out by dogs that have escaped and strayed onto farmland.
Choose livestock-free walks
Particularly at lambing time, look for rights of way that allow you to avoid passing through or alongside fields of sheep. Don’t assume that hedges or fences are dog-proof.
Now that you've learnt more about sheep worrying and its effects on local livestock, we hope you and your canine friends enjoy safe and happy walks this spring.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.
Page last reviewed: 6th March 2025
Next review due: 6th March 2027