'It's a significant figure, but doesn't capture the emotional toll': Livestock across Ulster suffer over £150k damage from dog attacks in single year
A farming body has called for Northern Ireland’s dog owners to be more responsible in the countryside, after livestock suffered over £150,000 in damage from canine attacks last year.
With lambing season around the corner, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has asked dog owners to keep their pets under control in rural areas.
A senior union figure stressed that even one attack is one too many, particularly at a time when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are at their most vulnerable.
With new figures from showing that across the province, farm animals worth an estimated £152,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks during 2025, UFU deputy president John McLenaghan reinforced that the financial cost only tells part of the story.
“Behind every figure is a farming family who has had to deal with the devastating aftermath of a dog attack,” he said. “For many sheep farmers across Northern Ireland, lambing season is already an intense and demanding period; discovering dead or injured animals following a dog attack is heart-breaking and deeply distressing.
“The £152,000 figure represents significant losses, but it does not capture the emotional toll, the trauma to livestock, or the long-term impact on flock performance.”
In many cases, says the UFU, attacks occur when dogs are taken off their leads, escape from gardens, or are allowed to roam unsupervised – owners often blithely assuming their pets would never hurt or chase sheep or cows, only to be proved tragically wrong.
“Regardless of breed or temperament, any dog can cause harm,” said Mr McLenaghan. “Even if there is no physical contact, the stress alone can cause pregnant ewes to abort lambs or young lambs to become separated from their mothers.
“The responsibility lies firmly with dog owners. If you are walking in the countryside and there are sheep or cattle in nearby fields, your dog must be always kept on a lead and under control.”
The union has previously called for stronger enforcement of laws against livestock worrying, as well as greater awareness of the consequences of irresponsible dog ownership.
“Where attacks happen, they must be reported to the local dog warden and the PSNI so that action can be taken,” said Mr McLenaghan. “Farmers should not have to live with the fear of repeat attacks.
“Stronger awareness, responsible ownership and consistent enforcement are essential if we are to see meaningful progress.”
A UK-wide survey by the National Farmers Union found that although 57% of people let their dogs off leads in the countryside, 44% said their dogs only come back some or most of the time while one in 10 admitted their pet has no recall.
A dog welfare expert for the RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines, stated that while “the vast majority” of pet owners take care near livestock “accidents regularly happen”.
“Even the most seemingly obedient dogs can get distracted and excited by grazing animals,” she said. “By keeping dogs on a lead when out in the countryside, as well as ensuring they are kept secure and unable to escape in their own homes and gardens, we can all do our bit for animals.
“The RSPCA has long-called for improvements to legislation to protect farm animals from dog attacks, and this new data reminds us why.”