The National Sheep Association (NSA) is launching its 2026 campaign to tackle sheep worrying by dogs, warning that a gap remains between awareness of the issue and how dog owners behave.

Sheep worrying includes dogs attacking, chasing or causing stress to livestock. Even without physical contact, loose dogs can trigger serious welfare problems, including miscarriages, lambs becoming separated from ewes and long-term disruption to flocks.

For the first time, the NSA surveyed more than 2,000 dog owners across the UK to better understand attitudes and behaviour. While 97 per cent of respondents said they were familiar with the term “sheep worrying”, only 65 per cent recognised that dogs being off-lead near sheep could also count as an incident.

Many respondents understood that sheep worrying can involve stress and disturbance, not just attacks, but the findings suggest this does not always translate into responsible behaviour.

Most of those surveyed live within two miles of grazing animals, highlighting how regularly dog walking takes place near livestock and the potential risk this creates.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker said: “While it is encouraging awareness of sheep worrying is increasing these findings clearly show that understanding doesn’t always translate into the right actions. Too many dog owners still underestimate how quickly a situation can escalate when a dog is off lead near sheep.”

The idea of a dog being “under control” remains unclear for some owners. Although 79 per cent said they would put their dog on a lead when encountering sheep, 44 per cent admitted letting dogs off lead on common land and 31 per cent on farmland. Many rely on recall rather than a lead.

More than one in 10 respondents said their own dog had previously been involved in a sheep worrying incident. A further 16 per cent reported their dog had escaped from a garden, which the NSA said was another often overlooked risk.

Mr Stocker added: “Even the most well-trained dog can behave unpredictably around livestock. What many owners see as harmless exercise can have devastating consequences for farmers, both emotionally and financially.”

Awareness of penalties is relatively high, with most respondents aware sheep worrying can result in fines, compensation payments or dogs being shot if caught in the act. However, fewer knew offences could lead to imprisonment or being banned from keeping dogs.

The survey also highlighted potential solutions. Around 72 per cent of respondents said clearer signage warning of livestock could encourage more responsible behaviour, provided it is visible and only used when animals are present.

There was also support for improved fencing, gates and continued education, although the NSA said awareness campaigns must lead to behaviour change. Encouragingly, there is broad agreement that responsibility ultimately lies with dog owners.

Mr Stocker added: “This year’s campaign will focus on turning awareness into action. The message is simple: keep your dog on a lead around livestock and never take risks. By working together and improving understanding, we can help prevent unnecessary suffering and protect both sheep and dogs.”