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Dog owners and farmers surveyed on sheep worrying

Picture Credit: Manx Radio

MNFU wants 'honest opinions' as it pushes for stronger legislation

Dog owners and farmers on the Isle of Man are being asked to respond to a survey regarding sheep worrying.

The questionnaires have been put together by the Manx National Farmers Union, which has been lobbying in recent years for tougher legislation to combat livestock attacks.

General Secretary Sarah Comish explains why they're running them:

The survey for dog owners ends on Monday (9 February) at 5pm and the survey for farmers is running until Tuesday (10 February) at 5pm.

Following dog attacks on livestock in 2025, Environment Minister Clare Barber said: "The Island does have legislation in place that provides powers for the police to investigate and take enforcement action. However ongoing conversations with the MNFU have led to my Department committing in its Department Plan to consult on the matter of sheep worrying.

"It is important that we are confident that we are doing all that we can to prevent and prosecute attacks of this nature. Protecting livestock is a shared responsibility, and we remain committed to working with the farming community, police and other partners to ensure those responsible for these attacks are held to account."

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