'Lead On' campaign aimed at dog owners over sheep worrying incidents
Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets on leads as part of a national 'Lead On' campaign.
The National Sheep Association today launched a fortnight of activity surrounding sheep worrying by dogs.
It says that, with the devastating issue of sheep worrying continuing to affect farmers and their flocks across the UK, it hopes the #LeadOn initiative will make people stop and think before letting their animals run loose near livestock.
The association will release the findings of a survey of sheep farmers over the campaign to show how widespread the problem is.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said "If we work together a change in attitudes and reduction in this devastating problem can be achieved and the welfare of thousands of sheep that are affected each year can be improved,” as said.
“As a farmer-facing organisation it can be difficult for NSA to reach the general public with the simple but crucial message to keep dogs on leads whenever sheep might be nearby. NSA is therefore calling on those with regular contact with dog owners in the many varied areas of life to help spread this message also."
The association is calling on retailers, pet service providers such as vets and rescue centres, and popular visitor sites to join together to raise awareness of the serious issue of sheep worrying by dogs.
The Lead On campaign starts today and runs until May 13.
