It is the time of year when there are a lot of ewes in the local fields, and many are in lamb awaiting the arrival of spring lambs. Unfortunately there have been several incidents of sheep worrying in the district over the last month or two, and a number of sheep have had to be put down. This is completely avoidable.  

Please be aware that while you are of course entitled to use the footpaths through fields, you are only entitled to be on these footpaths, not anywhere else in the fields. You should also keep your dog on a lead if any farm livestock (sheep or cattle) are in the field you are in, or neighbouring fields.

While there’s no law requiring you to do this, farmers are well within their rights to take serious action if they see a dog chasing their livestock, so it will give you peace of mind that you’re doing the best thing for your pet as well as the farm animals. The dog may think it’s “just having fun”, but it can still cause injury or death to the sheep. All dogs can be tempted to chase sheep and cause a lot of distress and harm, no matter how well they’re trained or what size they are.

Here’s a message from Neil Barnes, Surrey Police, Office Manager, Tandridge, via In The Know

Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with sheep or other farm animals, which can result in significant injury or suffering and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved.

This also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs. If the dog is caught chasing or attack livestock, it may be shot by the farmer. The owner or person in charge of a dog which worries livestock commits an offence, which in England and Wales could attract a fine of up to £1,000 plus costs and any compensation order made. 

So far this this year, we have already had 3 reported incidents across the borough of Tandridge of dogs worrying livestock. Two of the sheep had to be destroyed due to their injuries and although others were are injured, they may also need to be put to sleep and if not, they will most likely abort their lambs due to the stress.

During the Month of December last year (2023), we had 5 reports of livestock worrying in Tandridge. As a result we had 8 sheep killed or having to be destroyed due to their injuries and an unknown number of aborted lambs. 

Please if you are out walking and you know there is livestock in the area. KEEP YOUR DOG ON LEAD!
Regardless of how good you may think your dog is, or you don’t think it is capable of doing such a thing…… It’s an animal. They can be unpredictable at times and if something runs, dogs love the chase, even if it is only playing.
Livestock, especially sheep don’t see this the same way.

Please don’t put these animals in a situation that isn’t down to them. 
You are the responsible one.    

Neil Barnes
(Surrey Police, Office Manager, Tandridge)
via In The Know