Sheep Worrying Advice for Lambing Time

Updated 18th March 2026

Reports of dog attacks on sheep, seem to be a common occurrence in the media. Dog attacks can result in serious injury or death of the ewe and their lambs, and these can be prevented by dog owners being responsible in the countryside. Worrying of sheep has serious implications to animal welfare, the farmers finances, but also results in added emotional stress of farmers who find dead or injured stock during what is an already stressful period in the farming calendar.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) survey in 2025 reported that 87% of those surveyed had experienced a dog attack on their flock in the last 12 months, with 78% saying the main cause was dogs not being put on a lead.

To assist in reducing the problem, The Dogs (protection of Livestock (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021, came into force in November 2021, where owners of dogs worrying livestock can be fined or sent to prison for 12 months. As land managers and livestock farmers, there are limited options to help reduce livestock worrying, however some options may be as follows.

• Check fencing along areas where people walk dogs and ensure there are no holes or gaps.
• Identify fields surrounding public walkways. Could they be used for cutting silage or growing forage crops instead of lambing sheep?
• Signage is another preventative tool for sheep farmers. Warning people that there are sheep and young lambs in fields may seem obvious, but increasing awareness is important. Especially as we, approach lighter nights and Easter when many people are likely to be taking short breaks and walks in the countryside.
• Farmers should report, record and retain any information or evidence relating to a livestock worrying incident where available, and share it with the police.

The NSA have a number of signs, which can be downloaded free from their website for farmers to display on footpaths and gates.

Dog Control Signs | National Sheep Association

 

Related Resources

Advice for Farmers | Sheep Worrying | National Sheep Assocation

Sheep Worrying | National Sheep Association

Dog Control Signs | National Sheep Association