The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) joined forces with Eryri National Park Authority over the first weekend of the summer holidays to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage visitors to help protect livestock and wildlife while enjoying the Welsh countryside.

The awareness campaign took place at the foot of the Llanberis Path, one of the busiest routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa and among the UK's most popular hiking trails.

Representatives spoke to hundreds of visitors, reminding them of the importance of responsible dog ownership and the devastating consequences that uncontrolled dogs can have on livestock and wildlife.

The campaign highlighted the continued impact of dog attacks on farm animals, other dogs, as well as the threat posed to ground-nesting birds and other wildlife that call Eryri home.

A previous Freedom of Information request submitted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales to North Wales Police revealed that more than 80 livestock attacks were reported across the force area during 2024, underlining the scale of the issue facing farming communities.

The awareness event also coincides with the introduction of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which became law earlier this year.

The new legislation strengthens police powers to tackle livestock worrying by allowing officers to seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking livestock.

Police will also have enhanced powers to enter premises to secure evidence, including animal DNA, helping to investigate incidents more effectively and prevent future attacks.

The legislation also removed the previous £1,000 cap on fines for livestock worrying offences in Wales and England.

This will allow courts to impose unlimited fines, providing a stronger deterrent against irresponsible dog ownership.

The campaign forms part of Eryri National Park Authority's 'This is My Home' initiative, which encourages visitors to respect the landscape, wildlife and farming communities that make the National Park unique.

The campaign is supported by the Farmers’ Union of Wales, NFU Cymru, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), and North Wales Police.

Simon Llewelyn Roberts, Senior Warden at Eryri National Park Authority said: "Eryri is home to internationally important wildlife, working farms and grazing livestock, all of which help make the National Park such a special place to visit.

"Responsible dog ownership plays a vital role in protecting livestock, safeguarding vulnerable ground-nesting birds and preserving this unique landscape for future generations.

“Simply keeping dogs under close control or preferably on a lead can make a real difference in protecting the people, animals and habitats that make Eryri so special."

Aled Morgan Hughes, FUW Head of Communications said: "Every year we see a spike in devastating dog attacks on livestock during the busy summer months, as more people head into the countryside with their dogs.

“These incidents place a significant emotional and economic burden on farming families, with livestock suffering serious injury or death and farmers left to deal with the financial losses and lasting distress that follow.

“We warmly welcome the 'This is My Home' campaign and are proud to support this important initiative.”