AS peak summer holiday season arrives in Cumbria the National Sheep Association (NSA) is warning holidaymakers of the risk posed by their pets to sheep they may encounter during their countryside breaks.

With more people holidaying in the area due to ongoing travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, sheep farmers are anticipating an increase in walkers passing through their fields enjoying the beautiful countryside. But with the increase in holidaymakers comes the risk of increased attacks on sheep from dogs whose owners are perhaps not familiar with the area that may be home to sheep and cattle and the fact their dogs pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of livestock.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “Sheep farmers have suffered an increase in sheep worrying attacks by dogs over the past year and a half as dog ownership increased and walking in the countryside became one of the few activities to be enjoyed during lockdown. This is now expected to rise once again as many enjoy a ‘staycation’ in the UK where their cherished pets can travel with them. 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.”