Dog owners were spoken to on the Malvern Hills yesterday (Thursday, September 11) as part of a campaign to curb livestock worrying.
Officers from West Mercia Police’s rural crime team were joined by Malvern Hills Trust rangers, Malvern Hills District Council, and the National Sheep Association at the popular ‘Goldmine’ spot on the route up to the Worcestershire Beacon on the hills.
The event formed part of Rural Crime Action Week 2025, run by the National Rural Crime Network, and aimed to remind walkers to keep their dogs under control when near sheep and cattle.
Advice was handed out to owners, including the importance of using a lead even with well-trained dogs. Council officers also gave out free dog poo bags while reminding people of their responsibility to clear up after their pets.
Malvern farmer John Chance, who has already lost 10 sheep this year to worrying by loose dogs, joined the team. Five of those incidents happened just last week.
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.
Livestock worrying – when dogs chase or attack farmed animals – is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. As well as fatalities, it can leave sheep and cattle stressed and injured.
PC 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 sheep or cows.
“This can cause severe stress, injuries and sometimes death. Livestock worrying isn’t just a risk to animal welfare – it also causes significant financial losses and distress to farmers like John whose stock graze regularly on the Malvern Hills.”
The Malvern Hills and Commons are grazed year-round by livestock, which helps protect the landscape, flora, fauna, and the famous views.
For more information – including up-to-date details of grazing locations – visit the Stockwatch section of the Malvern Hills Trust website.
