Dog attacks on livestock in the countryside remain a major concern for farmers across Wales and to continue to help the industry raise awareness of the problems arising from irresponsible dog ownership, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has produced free gate-post warning signs for members.
The signs are part of the FUW’s campaign “Your Dog, Your Responsibility,” which aims, not only to highlight the devastation caused by dog attacks on livestock, but also the serious diseases that can be spread from dogs to cattle.
The impact of a dog attack on a farming family can be devastating. Alongside causing horrific injuries, one dog attack can cost thousands of pounds in lost stock, veterinary bills and reduced growth rates. In today’s market place with ever tighter margins, these additional costs have serious financial implications for the future solvency of the farm business.
There were 449 cases of livestock attacks between 2013 and 2017 in North Wales alone.
FUW have therefore launched farm-gate warning signs to provide members with a practical way to remind those walking dogs near livestock about their responsibilities and about the potential dangers.
FUW members can pick up signs directly from any of the FUW’s 11 county offices across Wales.