Rural officers urge dog walkers to keep pets on leads near livestock

Our rural engagement officers are asking anyone who walks their dogs in the countryside to keep their pets on leads near livestock.

Attacks on livestock across Essex can be caused by dogs being walked off-lead or which have escaped from insecure gardens at properties neighbouring farms and smallholdings.

Sergeant Ben Felton, of our Rural Engagement Team, says:

"When the weather gets nicer and more people take to the countryside to walk their dogs, we notice an increase in incidents of livestock worrying, where dogs attack sheep, cows and other domesticated animals.
“It is important that you ensure you keep dogs on leads when walking near livestock, especially during the lambing season when new-born lambs are especially vulnerable.
“Even if your dog doesn’t attack, the stress of being chased can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry.”

If your dog is off-lead and it chases or attacks livestock, you are committing an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

Ben explains:

“We will investigate and we’ll also work with the farmer or livestock owner because we understand the impact this type of incident can have on them and their livelihoods, particularly if the animals have to be put down.”

NFU Mutual estimates such attacks cost livestock owners almost £2.5million in 2023, up by nearly 30% on 2022.

Our rural engagement officers work to increase awareness of the consequences of not having your dog under proper control.

They mount bike patrols in our country parks and areas where attacks have been reported and speak with dog owners.

Ben adds:

“Although Essex is a very rural county, we understand that not all dog owners and visitors to the countryside grew up in a rural community.
“We do provide advice and guidance but it’s also good to make sure you’re familiar with the Countryside Code so you know what is expected of you and your dog when you’re out for a walk.”

Visit our Rural Crime pages and click on Animal crime to find out more about livestock worrying and the consequences of having an out-of-control dog in a public place.

You can also read more Essex countryside news from Sergeant Ben Felton.

Our Rural Engagement Team have an understanding about how a rural community works.They investigate crimes like theft of agricultural vehicles and technical equipment and hare coursing. The team also work to prevent and deter rural crime too. 

Working with partner agencies, they take enforcement action against those who are intent on causing harm to our rural communities. 

For more about rural crime and advice on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim, please visit our rural crime page.

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