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Stockwatch provides information on the locations of livestock for the Malvern Hills Trust's projects where temporary electric-fenced compartments are erected. Temporary fencing is erected under section 15 of the Malvern Hills Act 1995.
As most of our land is Common Land, commoners do graze livestock freely across the Hills and Commons and members of the public should therefore be ready to encounter livestock anywhere and at anytime. The locations of these livestock are not included in Stockwatch.
Please remember that dogs must be kept under close control at all times. If in doubt, put your dog on a lead.
Commoner's Rights
Of the land we care for, 90% is registered Common Land. This means that local people have the traditional right to graze a set number of sheep or cattle on the Hills and Commons.
Although the numbers of active commoners who are turning out livestock has decreased, rights still exist and at any time people could choose to put livestock back on the Hills. This grazing would be outside of our grazing projects so would not be enclosed and therefore we are not able to provide information for visitors on their location through Stockwatch.
Please make sure that if you're visiting with your dog that you're prepared to meet livestock at any time. MHT are not responsible for any animals not within the Trust's grazing projects.
Find out more about Common Land - Foundation for Common Land
Livestock worrying - Stock count
We will be keeping a running tally of dog attacks on livestock throughout 2021 to highlight the frequency of these events on the Malvern Hills.
From the 1st January 2021
Number of chasing incidents - 0
Number of attacks on livestock - 0
Number of livestock deaths - 1
On Thursday 18th February, as grazier received calls from the public regarding a sheep in distress. It appears that the sheep had been chased and was tangled in the fence Despite best efforts to save the ewe, she died on Saturday night from the stress of the worrying incident and the injuries sustained.
Dog attacks on sheep are distressing for everyone involved; the sheep, the dog, the grazier and the dog owner.
By following signage and putting your dog on a lead near livestock you can put an end to these incidents and remove the worry when walking your dog in this farmed landscape. All breeds of dog could chase sheep and even well-trained dogs can become fixated on livestock, so please put your dog on a lead near the cattle and sheep, and don't put your pet in that position.
Thank you.
From the 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020
Number of chasing incidents - 17
Number of attacks on livestock - 5
Number of livestock deaths - 3
Not all livestock worrying incidents are witnessed or reported to us so this tally is an underrepresentation of the actual number.
Updated 4th January 2021
Sheep safe training
Sheep safe courses help to encourage your dog to ignore livestock which can reduce the chances of sheep worrying. Three courses have been announced for 2021 with dog behaviourist Sue Harper.
The courses, each with 6 sessions, are due to begin on the 27th June, 8th August and 12th September and take place near West Malvern. To find out more and to book your place, please call Sue on 01684 568067.
Reporting an incident
Each and every year, we receive reports from the public and from the graziers that sheep and cattle have been chased and attacked by dogs. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence. To report livestock worrying by dogs, which includes chasing, on the Hills or Commons call the Police on 101. Please also call the office on 01684 892002 so we can alert the grazier to attend. The faster the animal can receive emergency veterinary treatment the better its chances of recovery.
