Dog owners in West Somerset have been warned that their pets are becoming an increasing threat to farm animals – over 60 per cent of dogs are allowed to roam free during countryside walks, according to the latest surveys.

A study published this week by insurance company NFU Mutual estimates that the cost of dog attacks on farm animals in the South-West has reached more than £185,000 as the pandemic sees a surge in pet ownership and visitors to the countryside.

A total of 64 per cent of dog owners say they let their pet roam free in the countryside – yet half admit their dog doesn’t always come back when called – and there are growing concerns the spring lockdown will see an influx of walkers unfamiliar with the countryside code and unaware of how their new dogs will behave around livestock.

Sheep farmers on Exmoor are reported to be under stress as they enter the peak lambing period when pregnant ewes and new born lambs are vulnerable to attack.

The research revealed that 42 per cent of dog owners have been walking their pets more often in the countryside during the pandemic, and that 81 per cent of survey respondents have noticed more people exercising their pets in rural areas.

“With more people walking in the countryside as Covid restrictions continue and an increase in dog ownership, we have seen horrific attacks resulting in large numbers of sheep being killed and a trail of horrific injuries,” said Roz Hills, South-West regional manager at NFU Mutual.

“These attacks cause unbearable suffering to farm animals as well as huge anxiety for farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s so important for people’s well-being. It’s vital that dog owners act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead at all times whenever there is a possibility that livestock are nearby.”

Roz added that studies showed that only 40 per cent of the dog owners accepted that their pet could cause the injury or death of a farm animal.

“Even if a dog doesn’t make physical contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause sheep to die or miscarry their lambs. It’s important that owners realise that all dog breeds, not just the big, fierce-looking ones, are capable of attacking livestock, or chasing them.”

Owners’ responses to seeing dogs attacking livestock have also changed during the pandemic, with only 33 per cent saying they would report an attack taking place to a local farmer or police.

In 2020, the UK cost of dog attacks on livestock reached an estimated £1.3m – an overall increase of more than 10 per cent. One of the worst affected areas was the South-West.

With lambing season approaching and many more people planning to walk in the countryside – including those with new lockdown puppies – NFU Mutual is calling for dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times.