The Manx National Farmers’ Union says sheep worrying remains a serious and growing threat, with new surveys showing repeated attacks and weak enforcement.
The MNFU’s 2026 surveys of livestock keepers and dog owners found that over half of farms had at least one sheep injured in the past year, and almost half had suffered the death of one or more animals.
One farm reported more than six incidents in a single year, while another lost five sheep in one attack. The MNFU notes: “Many Manx farms have had at least one sheep worrying incident in the last year and one farm reported over 6 incidents in the last year alone!”
Dog Damage
Farmers reported injuries, abortions, deaths from crowding or drowning, and long‑term suffering.
In one case, a loose pet dog attacked sheep across multiple farms and showed aggression to farmers; it was shot in the act, but police have not progressed a case against the owner.
Dog owners who responded to the survey largely recognised the risks, with almost 70% walking their dogs near farmland at least weekly and 10% admitting their dog had been involved in a sheep‑worrying incident.
Many said they supported stronger legislation, though some argued farms should improve fencing.
More Support Needed
The MNFU says most attacks happen on private farmland when dogs are off‑lead or escape from gardens. It also highlights that many incidents originate from publicly owned recreation areas such as glens and plantations.
Farmers overwhelmingly felt dog owners should take more responsibility, but also called for better support from government, vets, agricultural bodies and police.
The union says a lack of follow‑up from authorities has discouraged reporting, noting that prosecutions remain “very rare”.
The MNFU argues that the Isle of Man is now falling behind neighbouring jurisdictions.
New Dog Laws
England’s new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, coming into force today introduces unlimited fines, wider police powers, forensic evidence gathering and broader protection for livestock.
By contrast, the island’s maximum fine remains £1,000 and police powers are limited.
Despite years of campaigning, the MNFU says political decisions have stalled reform.
The MNFU states that because government has failed to act, “animals are suffering needlessly, and farms continue to pay the price.”
The union is again urging Tynwald to strengthen legislation, noting that almost 70% of dog owners and 80% of farmers surveyed support tougher laws and penalties.
