Talking to Malvern dog walkers about sheep worrying

Dog owners were engaged with on the Malvern Hills today (Thursday 11 September) by West Mercia Police and partner agencies in a bid to halt sheep worrying.

Officers from our rural crime teams were joined at the ‘Goldmine’ on the trail up to the Worcestershire Beacon, a location popular with dog walkers, as part of the Rural Crime Action Week 2025 being run by the National Rural Crime Network.

They joined forces with Malvern Hills Trust rangers, Malvern Hills District Council and the National Sheep Association to talk to members of the public who were reminded to keep their pets under control when close to sheep and cows following reports of livestock worrying.

They were encouraging walkers to keep dogs on a lead, even if they feel it is well trained, and to do all they can to prevent them straying on to grazing areas of the hills.

Words of advice were given; information was handed out and the council was also giving out dog poo bags while reminding people to scoop their pooches’ poop.

With the police and partners was Malvern farmer John Chance who has lost 10 sheep already this year to worrying caused by dogs on the loose in the popular beauty spot.

In the past week alone, five of his sheep have been injured or died as a result of livestock worrying which is when loose dogs chase or attack farmed animals which is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

Police Constable Nigel Bolton, Rural Crime Officer for south Worcestershire, said: “Responsible dog ownership is essential in preventing sheep and livestock worrying. 

“You should always keep your dog under control and on a lead when around livestock, even if you believe your dog is well trained.

“Even well-behaved dogs can exhibit predatory behaviour around livestock like sheep or cows. This behaviour can cause the animals to become extremely stressed or injured and can be fatal.

“Livestock worrying isn't just a risk to animal welfare, it can cause significant distress and financial losses to farmers like John whose stock regularly graze on the Malvern Hills.”