Latest news with #NationalSheepAssociation
Scotsman
21-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Appeal to keep dogs under control as peak summer season arrives
As the peak summer holiday season arrives, dog walkers are being reminded of the risk posed by their pet dogs to sheep they may meet on their countryside breaks. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... During walks in the countryside, it is not uncommon to come across grazing livestock, including sheep, and if a dog is being walked off lead an encounter could result in a devastating incident for all involved. Phil Stocker, National Sheep Association (NSA) chief executive, said: 'Sheep worrying can do serious damage through stress and injury. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Many sheep fleeing from dogs are often killed or seriously injured by their panicked attempts to escape. The NSA is providing advice for all dog owners. 'The loss of sheep can be deeply distressing to farmers, causing ongoing worry and also significant financial losses.' The fine weather experienced so far this summer may mean more people choosing to stay in the UK to enjoy a summer holiday alongside their dogs. NSA, a charity representing UK sheep farmers, is concerned this could increase the number of incidents. Mr Stocker continued: 'Sheep farmers continue to be affected by attacks on their flocks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is crucially important that dog owners must be aware of the serious issue of sheep worrying by dogs and take action to be a responsible dog owner whilst enjoying their holidays this summer.' Dog walkers are being urged to keep their pets on leads, no matter how obedient they consider their pet to be, and NSA is also highlighting the potential consequences for dog owners found to be responsible following progress with a long-awaited amendment to legislation. Nicola Noble, NSA policy manager, said: 'The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill has now successfully passed its stage in the House of Commons. 'This bill enhances the authority of the police to act in cases of livestock worrying and also expands the range of locations where offences can occur to include roads and public paths, thereby offering increased protection. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is important for dog owners to know that the bill aims to increase the maximum penalty and so not only could their actions result in harm to animals attacked, in the near future it could also result in increased financial penalties for themselves.' Advice can be found at
STV News
17-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Scotland's breeding sheep numbers drop to lowest level on record
The number of breeding sheep in Scotland has dropped to its lowest level on record, according to a new report from the National Sheep Association (NSA). Figures show there are now just under 2.5 million breeding sheep across the country – a significant decline that's raised alarm among those in the sector. 'We've never seen these numbers before,' said Peter Myles, chair of the NSA. 'We looked right back through the data and found dips around the world wars and again in 2001 during the foot and mouth outbreak – but today's figures show a long-term decline of around half a million over the last 125 years.' The fall in numbers has been particularly stark in Scotland's hills and uplands. Over the past decade alone, around 50,000 breeding ewes have disappeared from these more remote areas. The NSA points to a number of factors behind the trend – including labour shortages and rising costs – but says the biggest pressures are coming from carbon offsetting and rewilding projects. Gregor Ingram, a sheep farmer in Aberdeenshire, told STV News: 'The land being bought up for carbon offsetting tends to be in marginal areas like the Highlands. 'Where land used to go to farming, it's now going to industries with much deeper pockets. This is a fantastic sector, but it's physically and mentally tough.' Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie says the government recognises the challenges and is working to support the industry: 'We're maintaining direct payments to support food production and ensure stability for both the sector and rural communities,' he said. 'That includes support through the Less Favoured Areas and Upland Sheep Support schemes.' Despite the downturn, there are signs of hope. Mr Myles says there's still interest from the next generation: 'We know a lot of passionate young people who want to be part of this industry,' he said. 'But until there's more confidence in the sector – and until policy reflects that – it's going to remain a struggle.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Press and Journal
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
31 best pictures from NSA Highland Sheep day at Ardgay
Thousands of people descended on Midfearn Farm, in Ardgay, Easter Ross, for the National Sheep Association (NSA) Highland Sheep event. Visitors were able to tour the farm and take in breathtaking views of the Dornoch Firth and surrounding hills. Midfearm is run by the Brooke family and their farm is part of a 13,500-acre estate. estate. The NSA Highland Sheep event showcased the best of the industry, with a record entry of trade stands and a bumper programme of demonstrations and workshops arranged. Highlights included This Farming Life TV star John 'Beachy' Barclay and his sons, Cameron and Finlay, who demonstrated how to prepare sheep for either a show or sale. There was lots to see and do and Sandy McCook, photographer at The Press and Journal photographer, was there to capture the atmosphere.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dog attack on lambs sparks plea for lead usage
A dog attack which left a number of lambs seriously injured has sparked a warning from Surrey's deputy police and crime commissioner. A lamb had its top lip torn away in the attack earlier this month at a farm in Dorking, which previously lost almost 30 sheep in a single attack. After visiting the farm, Surrey DPCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson urged dog owners to keep pets on leads. "Surrey is home to many responsible dog-owners who deeply cherish their pets. But even the most trusted of dogs can behave in surprising or shocking ways," she said. Vesey-Thompson warned of the "traumatising" effects of livestock worrying, which is a criminal offence in the UK and includes barking, chasing, biting and killing. She said: "While I'm pleased that the lamb is recovering well, others that were more seriously hurt remain critically unwell, and, despite excellent care and treatment, sadly may not recover. "This is an absolutely horrific incident that could so easily have been prevented by the simple action of putting a dog on a lead." The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it was also important to ensure dogs were secure in the home or garden. "Dogs straying from their own homes is another common cause of devastating sheep worrying attacks, potentially leading to sheep prolonged suffering until the impact of the incident is discovered," a spokesperson said. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Reports of dog attacks are at a seven-year high Surrey Police Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dog attack on lambs sparks plea for lead usage
A dog attack which left a number of lambs seriously injured has sparked a warning from Surrey's deputy police and crime commissioner. A lamb had its top lip torn away in the attack earlier this month at a farm in Dorking, which previously lost almost 30 sheep in a single attack. After visiting the farm, Surrey DPCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson urged dog owners to keep pets on leads. "Surrey is home to many responsible dog-owners who deeply cherish their pets. But even the most trusted of dogs can behave in surprising or shocking ways," she said. Vesey-Thompson warned of the "traumatising" effects of livestock worrying, which is a criminal offence in the UK and includes barking, chasing, biting and killing. She said: "While I'm pleased that the lamb is recovering well, others that were more seriously hurt remain critically unwell, and, despite excellent care and treatment, sadly may not recover. "This is an absolutely horrific incident that could so easily have been prevented by the simple action of putting a dog on a lead." The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it was also important to ensure dogs were secure in the home or garden. "Dogs straying from their own homes is another common cause of devastating sheep worrying attacks, potentially leading to sheep prolonged suffering until the impact of the incident is discovered," a spokesperson said. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Reports of dog attacks are at a seven-year high Surrey Police Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner
