MP backs 'take the lead' campaign to protect livestock

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has backed a campaign by local councillor Colin Jones, the Farmers Guardian and Windermere residents to try and curb the amount of attacks by dogs on livestock.

Farmers around Windermere were very shocked and saddened to find 6 lambs dead in one of our fields in May, with two more having to be shot due to their injuries. They believe the issue of dogs harming stock is growing and becoming all too common an occurrence across the Lakes and further afield.

Recently the Farmers Guardian launched a campaign called 'Take the Lead'. The paper is working to raise awareness among the British public about livestock worrying and speaking up for our readers' concerns. The campaign has been backed by a wide range of high profile rural groups including the Women's Food and Farming Union, British Horse Society, Lake District National Park, Countryside Alliance, CLA, Ramblers and the RSPCA.

Last year farming chiefs claimed that sheep worrying and mauling has become a "massive" problem throughout the county. The fells around West Cumbria and the Lake District have been named as having the highest number of incidents. Tim and Colin hope that this campaign will have an impact on reducing that.

Tim said: "I am supporting the campaign and I hope that by farmers and walkers working together we can cut the amount of livestock attacks. Walking in the Lakes is something we all love to do and as a dog owner myself I know it's a great place to go. However I also understand the concerns of farmers and want to see the number of attacks fall sharply."

Local councillor Colin Jones added: "I hope our campaign will make a difference and by working together we can protect local livestock and the overwhelming majority of reasonable dog owners."