DOG attacks on livestock in the countryside remain a major concern for farmers across Wales and to help the industry raise awareness of the problems arising from irresponsible dog ownership, the Farmers’ Union of Wales is handing out free gate-post warning signs at the Royal Welsh Show.

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 when owners do not clean up after their dog.

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW Senior Policy Officer said the impact of a dog attack on a farming family can be devastating.

She said: "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.

"Our farmers are repeatedly faced with a field of dead or dying stock following a dog attack and many of them have now reached a financial and emotional breaking point."

Despite numerous industry campaigns aimed at educating dog walkers, there were 449 cases of livestock attacks between 2013 and 2017 in North Wales alone. As large as this number is, it is likely to be an underestimate as we know that farmers often don’t report such attacks.

Dr Wright added: "We have therefore launched our 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, as well as from the FUW pavilion at the Royal Welsh Show.