Peak District farmer’s plea after dozens of sheep die in dog attacks

A farmer has urged dog owners to keep their pets on a lead after dozens of her sheep and a calf were killed in attacks.

The National Farmer’s Union (NFU) Mutual have said an estimated £452,000 worth of farm animals in the Midlands were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, up 36% on 2023.

Stephanie Wells, who runs a farm near Monyash, Bakewell, Derbyshire with her husband Steven, said eight of their ewes and 23 lambs died in dog attacks in 2024, including “several lambs and four sheep” killed during the Easter weekend alone.

She added their pedigree ewe worth £3,000 also died after it was found covered in dog bite marks in September.

Mrs Wells said the pedigree Pure Valais Blacknose Shearling ewe, called Kandyfloss, had been hand-reared by their daughter, Kim, who was left “devastated” by her death.

The 57-year-old said there was no sign of the dog responsible for the attack.

She added: “Over the years we have lost dozens of sheep in dog attacks.

“Some have been mauled and left with horrific injuries. Others have been chased until they were completely exhausted.

“We’ve had ewes aborting their lambs after being chased.

“We’ve had lambs abandoned by their mothers after being chased. The lambs quickly lose heat and get attacked by crows which pick their eyes out when they’re not being protected by their mothers.

“Last year we even lost a calf that was chased by dogs, causing it to fall and break its leg. It had to be put down.”

Mrs Wells said their farm’s location in the Peak District – near a Site of Special Scientific Interest – makes it popular with dog walkers.

“Unfortunately, we have four footpaths going through the farmyard and then across our land”.

She said people walk through their land everyday, even during the night, with “hundreds” visiting in a day on bank holidays.

“Bank holidays are the worst time for us – there are so many people around leaving gates open and allowing their dogs to run wild that we can’t leave the farm.”

The family has pleaded with walkers to keep dogs on leads on farmland.

Hannah Binns, from NFU Mutual, said: “Farmers across the UK are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath.”