DNA test to identify dogs after cattle attacks

A new test of forensic technology could help identify dogs involved in attacks on livestock.

Ten police forces in England and Wales are involved and hope that the research project will improve the collection of DNA from attacked dogs belonging to livestock.

Figures from the National Farmers Union Mutual show that around £360,000 worth of farm animals were seriously injured or killed by dogs across the South West in 2023.

PC Julian Fry, of Devon and Cornwall Police’s rural affairs team, said the “numbers are alarmingly high”.

The research project is led by Liverpool John Moores University.

According to NFU Mutual, the region saw the highest number of livestock attacks in England in 2023.

“We don’t want to be first on that list,” Mr Fry said.

“We must appeal to the general public to help us by effectively reporting every single incident in which they observe farm animals being at risk.”

Karla McKechnie, Dartmoor’s livestock protection officer, said there had been 60 incidents of dog attacks on the moor this year.

In 2023, 95 attacks were recorded and Ms McKechnie said some incidents involved more than one animal.

Bodmin Moor’s livestock welfare officer said 46 animals were killed and 44 injured in attacks there last year.

Earlier this year, more than 45 sheep and lambs were killed in one night on a farm near Lamerton in West Devon.

Farmer Christopher Dawe said he found dead and injured lambs and sheep scattered across four fields.

“It was heartbreaking,” he said.

Dr. Nick Dawnay of Liverpool John Moores University developed the first evidence kits for DNA testing.

He said they would enable police, veterinarians and farmers to quickly collect dog samples at the scene of an attack.

In June, farmers, police officers and key industry representatives will be trained in how to use the new forensic kits.

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