In continuing her campaign to bring an end to unnecessary sheep worrying attacks, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged the Welsh Government to undertake a digital media campaign to help prevent such incidents over the summer.
In a Written Question to the Minister for Rural Affairs, Janet asked:
“Will the Minister clarify what steps the Welsh Government is taking to implement a digital media campaign to encourage rural visitors to keep their dogs on leads, to prevent sheep worrying attacks?
Her intervention comes as the issue is gaining mainstream prominence. On Sunday evening, Dan Jones (the Great Orme Shepherd) appeared on BBC One’s Countryfile programme to raise awareness about the impact of such events on farmers, dog owners and their pets.
Commenting on the need to raise awareness, Janet said:
“I was greatly concerned by the results of the 2021 National Sheep Association survey which found that, on average, farmers had experienced seven cases of sheep worrying during the past year resulting in five sheep injured and two sheep killed per attack. Often, respondents received no or very little compensation.
“But more than the economic impact, these incidents increase unnecessary anxiety, stress and frustration for our agricultural heroes. This aspect of these preventable incidents was underlined by powerful testimony from the Great Orme Shepherd, Dan Jones, on primetime television over the weekend.
“With visitor numbers to our beautiful rural communities set to increase this summer, the Welsh Government should be looking now to implement a digital publicity drive in conjunction with Visit Wales. The positive message they have to convey is simple – please keep your dog on a lead.
“Whilst I am heartened by the measures set out in the recent Animal Welfare Bill, laid before the UK Parliament, I am clear that the Welsh Government can also be playing an active role in educating visitors to enjoy our rural scenery in a safe and mutually beneficial manner.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Measures to tackle such incidents were set out in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, introduced to the UK Parliament in June 2021, which include improved powers to help police to respond to incidents which can result in significant injury, suffering and death to farm animals, and cause distress and financial costs for farmers.
Photo: by Sam Carter on Unsplash
