Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Rural Crime Advisors are participating in 'Operation Recall', a national initiative to raise awareness of livestock worrying.

The initiative is being led by Warwickshire Police and supported by partner agencies around the country, such as the National Farmers' Union (NFU), Country Land and Business Association (CLA), National Sheep Association and the RSPCA.  

At this time of year, pregnant ewes and lambs are particularly vulnerable, but all new born and young animals are at risk. Reports of livestock worrying sadly increase and this often includes deaths and injury due to attacks by dogs on all kinds of animals, especially sheep.  

To help with this initiative, the District Council's team is building on their work around livestock worrying as they continue to raise awareness of the importance of responsible dog ownership across South Warwickshire.

This work involves visiting rural areas where dog attacks on livestock have already been reported, to discuss safe dog walking with members of the public and provide the National Sheep Association's Enjoy your dog walks information leaflet.  

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock and dog owners risk prosecution. Whilst the majority of dog owners do walk their dogs in a responsible manner, unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.  

Cllr Natalie Gist, Law and Governance Portfolio said: "Operation Recall is extremely important to our rural communities in Stratford-on-Avon District. Livestock worrying has a devasting impact on local farmers and can be easily curbed through appropriate control of animals. We all must take responsibility for protecting local livestock. Please keep your dog on a lead when livestock is present.  The District Council's Rural Crime Advisors have worked on Operation Recall for several years and are looking for areas to target and engage the public to prevent harm to livestock."  

Sargeant Ruth Day, Rural Crime Team at Warwickshire Police, said: "Livestock worrying causes real financial and emotional harm to farmers, and it is completely avoidable. Operation Recall allows us to take a proactive approach - educating dog owners, increasing patrols, and responding swiftly to reports. Simply keeping dogs on a lead around livestock prevents these incidents, and we're asking the public to help us protect the animals and livelihoods that are vital to our rural communities."

If you would like further information or think your local area would benefit from a visit from the District Council's Rural Crime Advisors, Rebecca Jenkins and Alison Packer, or would like 'Operation Recall' leaflets to distribute in your local area please email: community.safety@stratford-dc.gov.uk or complete the online form: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/online-forms/rural-crime-advisor-enquiry.cfm  

If you have livestock and would like a 'Dog on Lead' sign, please email: ruralcrimeteam@warwickshire.police.uk