Dog attacks 'not on rise' in the New Forest

CASES of dogs worrying livestock are not thought to be on the increase in the New Forest, according to the councillor in charge of the district’s team of dog wardens.

Cllr Alison Hoare set out her view of the situation after the issue was raised at a meeting of the district council following a string of bloody attacks.

Incidents involving dogs reported in the A&T this year include a deer fatally savaged near Barton clifftop, a pony foal nearly mauled to death near Fordingbridge, a donkey with bite wounds to its face and sheep that had to be put down in Bramshaw.

Livestock owners have appealed for dogs to be kept on leads, under better control and away from grazing animals.

Cllr Stephanie Osborne, a Liberal Democrat member for Butts Ash and Dibden Purlieu, said she wanted answers “in the light of the perceived increase of dogs worrying New Forest livestock and animals off the leash causing problems in public open spaces”.

She asked Cllr Hoare, NFDC’s Conservative cabinet member for environment and regulatory services, for the numbers of dog wardens and whether there were plans to increase resources.

The council has given dog warden training to a team of officers who also deal with abandoned vehicles and parking enforcement, numbering 11 full-time and three part-time.

Cllr Hoare told the meeting: “All our enforcement officers and supervisors are trained to deal with any reported dog incidents which gives us district-wide cover on a daily basis.

“Specific instances of dogs worrying livestock are the responsibility of Hampshire Constabulary Country Watch who will have details of any reports. We work closely with them and, where requested, we will conduct joint visits.”

She added: “We are not aware of any increase, perceived or otherwise, in reports of dogs worrying livestock. The vast majority of dog walkers take responsibility for their animals when livestock are present.”

NFDC launched a summer campaign this year warning drivers who leave dogs in their cars that they will be reported to the police and could face prosecution.

The New Forest has a 34% dog-ownership ratio, according to a district council census in 2016.

It hosted the first Dogstival event staged at Pylewell Park, near Lymington, in May which attracted thousands of visitors and their pets.