Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is appealing to dog owners to keep their pets under control in the countryside.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, has spoken out after Dyfed-Powys Police issued a warning over livestock worrying.
After receiving 80 reports of incidents so far this year, officers have joined forces with farming unions to remind dog owners just how important it is to keep their pets on a lead.
He said: “Attacks in the countryside remain a major concern for farmers across Wales and we need to do everything we can to highlight the problem.
“It is vitally important to keep complete control of your animal when exercising a dog in the countryside. We all need to be ever mindful of livestock.
“Everyone enjoys walking dogs in the country and, of course, this is helping many people cope with the Covid crisis, but no-one wants to see unnecessary suffering caused to sheep or other animals. Some may think they can guarantee their pet will not harass the animals but better be safe than sorry.
“The reality is that a dog allowed to roam off a leash can cause distress and injury to sheep, in particular, and everyone needs to take extra care.
“I am saddened to hear reports of 80 incidents so far this year with 30 of them being in Powys. Our farmers in Wales have been hit hard by the closure of many of their service outlets and do not need this added pressure.
“I would also urge farmers whose livestock have been attacked to make sure they report the incident so the police can keep an accurate record of the problem.”
Powys officer PC Charlie Jones said livestock worrying was an increasing concern and they regularly received calls from farmers, landowners and members of the public reporting farm animals being chased by dogs.
She said: “We take all these incidents very seriously and investigate each report thoroughly. If there is sufficient evidence, action can be taken against the dog owner.”
The Powys Rural Crime Team and senior management team are working with NFU Cymru and FUW in a bid to reduce the number of livestock attacks in the division.
FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright said: “Avoidable losses, such as those that occur when dogs chase or attack livestock represent a serious and significant threat to family farm livelihoods.
“Alongside the significant welfare issues that occur, the financial consequences can be significant and include abortions, loss of breeding stock, loss of future earnings, decreased production, veterinary bills and the cost of carcass disposal. These additional costs have serious financial implications for the future solvency of the farm business.
“In order to protect livestock health, it is also essential that dog walkers pick up after their dog. Dog fouling can spread diseases which cause health and welfare problems such as repeat abortions and, as with dog attacks, this represents a preventable welfare issue.”
NFU Cymru is also urging dog walkers to take extreme care as a large number of public paths cross farmland.
The union has gatepost signs available in English and Welsh for farmers who have public rights of way running through their land to remind dog walkers of best practise.
