UK cost of livestock worrying rises to almost £2m - National Farmers Union

New figures from NFU Mutual have revealed that farm animals worth an estimated £1.95 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2025, up 10% from the previous year.

The Midlands was the worst-hit region by cost, with dog attacks on livestock costing an estimated £438,000 followed by the South East (£330,000).

The news comes as NFU Mutual released the results of its dog owner survey which found that 57% of people let their dogs off lead in the countryside, with 1 in 10 admitting their dog has no recall, and 44% saying their dogs came back only ‘some’ or ‘most of the time’.

“Farmers across the UK are living with the constant fear of repeat incidents, which cause immense suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath,” said NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns. “Anecdotally, we continue to hear reports of dogs injuring or killing sheep while owners are either unable to control their pets or are nowhere to be found. Ignoring the risks is never an option; regardless of breed, size, or temperament, all dogs can chase, injure or kill livestock. Even without physical contact, the stress of being chased can lead to exhaustion and stress, and in some cases separate young lambs from their mothers, which can lead to them being orphaned.”