Survey Results

National Sheep Association collects the experiences of farmers and police forces affected by sheep worrying through annual surveys. Copies of full results from the surveys can be downloaded on this page.

Key findings from the 2026 dog owners survey are as follows:

Core headline messages

• Sheep worrying is widely recognised but not fully understood - While 97% say they know what it is, only 65% realise dogs off-lead near sheep counts. But there is understanding of sheep worrying being more than a physical attack (Public definitions align with “dog-induced stress and disturbance,” not just physical harm).
• Dog walking near sheep is routine and high-risk - Nearly 9 in 10 live within 2 miles of grazing livestock, and most walk farmland frequently.
• “Under control” is a grey area putting sheep at risk - Almost half of owners let dogs off lead on common land (44%), relying on recall rather than restraint. Different perspective on farmland (31%) vs common land.
• Awareness of penalties is high - but gaps remain - Dog owners know the immediate risks of sheep worrying - but most are unaware they could face prison or a lifetime ban on keeping dogs. The majority understood there were fines associated with sheep worrying (92%), their dog could be shot if caught in the act (94%), compensation (85%), dog seizure (77%) or euthanized (71%), but less understood about imprisonment (34%) and being stopped from keeping dogs (32%).

Behaviour & Risk

• 1 in 8 dog owners report involvement in a sheep worrying incident.
• Most owners say they would act responsibly - but not all do.
• Dog escapes are a hidden threat.

Real-world impact is significant and not rare. 
79% would use a lead when seeing sheep, leaving a critical minority at risk of incidents. 
16% have experienced dogs escaping gardens, creating uncontrolled risk to livestock.

Prevention and messaging

• Signage works and the public wants more of it.
• Clear, visible warnings from farmers are the top-requested action.
• Education must go beyond awareness to behaviour change.

72% say more signage would or might encourage responsible behaviour. But stressed the need to remove signage when livestock are not present to reduce complacency. 
78% support better signage, alongside well-maintained fences and gates. 
Training (75%), campaigns (66%), and signage (64%) all seen as essential. 

Collaboration is key 

• Responsibility is shared - but starts with dog owners.
• Better communication between farmers and dog walkers is key.
• Constructive engagement matters.

Strong consensus that owners must take full accountability for dog behaviour. 

Public support for clearer information about livestock presence and risks. 

Most interactions with farmers are neutral or positive, offering a base to build on.

Key findings from the 2025 farmer survey are as follows:

• Sheep worrying by dogs remains a blight on the industry.
• 87% of survey respondents experienced a dog attack on their sheep flock in the last 12 months
• The majority of cases involve one dog (73%), with 23% of cases involving two dogs.
• 78% say the main cause of sheep worrying is dogs not being put on a lead, a theme through previous surveys.
• Sheep attacks by dogs are becoming more severe with a greater level of injuries.
• 96% of respondents had between 1-10 incidents in the last 12 months.
• The remaining 4% had between 10-30 incidents.
• Respondents on average reported four sheep deaths per year due to sheep worrying by dogs, this is an increase from previous years.
• One respondent reported 44 sheep killed in a single attack. The next highest response was 23 sheep killed. Though this doesn't account for miscarriages of lambs etc.
• NSA urges the public to take responsibility.
• Only 20% of respondents were alerted directly – meaning animals are potentially left suffering due to an irresponsible dog walker.
• Sheep farmers are feeling helpless and frustrated.
• More education is needed to encourage respect for farmers.
• Investment in technology and improved police powers is crucial.
• 98% agree there is an urgent need for additional police powers.
• 54% felt increased fines, punishments and seizure powers would reduce sheep worrying incidents.
• 58% of respondents were aware of DNA sampling tools for sheep attacks, but not many were able to use it successfully.
• 26% of respondents didn’t receive compensation as there was insufficient evidence.

Key findings from the 2024 police survey are as follows:

• The majority of forces who took part said sheep attacks were the most common rural crime.
• 76% of forces who took part reported at least monthly sheep worrying incidents.
• No force reported never having a sheep worrying by dog incident.
• 78% of forces who took part reported an increase in sheep worrying by dog incidents.
• Rural crime teams are equally frustrated by attacks.
• Dogs off lead and not under control was the main cause of attacks, followed by lack of responsibility, education and disrespect for livestock/farming.
• Rural crime teams are actively raising awareness of sheep worrying by dogs.
• Proactive use of signage is considered the most successful tool to help prevent sheep worrying by dogs. 

Key findings from the 2023 farmer survey are as follows:

• In line with previous survey results, 70% of respondents had at least one sheep worrying incident in the last 12 months.
• Of these, 95% of them had between 1-10 occurrence in the year.  
• In almost 70% of cases it's a single dog injuring or killing multiple sheep.
• Despite farmers making steps to prevent sheep worrying, through signs, moving sheep and use of social media, it’s not having an impact.
• On average incidence and severity hasn’t changed much since last year but still does not take into account production losses in sheep, including miscarriage, that were reported by almost 70% of respondents.
• Only 14% of respondents were alerted by the offending dog owner, with the majority left to discover the evidence or alerted by someone else.
• The majority of cases occur on private land, irrespective of whether there is a public right of way.
• 70% of respondents reported either verbal abuse, intimidation, being ignored or negative attitude from a dog owner when approached and asked to put their dog on a lead.
• 82% of survey respondents strongly agreed additional powers are necessary to act as a deterrent to irresponsible dog ownership.
• Farmers reported feelings of anger, frustration and upset. This year there were additional comments like 'becoming the norm' and 'expected', demonstrating the insidious frequency of sheep worrying by dogs.