According to the NFU, the number of dog attacks on livestock has reached record levels in the UK. Some uplands areas, such as Dartmoor have even employed Livestock protection officers, who is on call to deal with incidents of livestock theft and dog attacks.

Latest figures show there were more than 700 cases of sheep and cattle worrying on farms across the country last year, at a cost to farmers of £1 million.

The NFU announced on Friday that it will be launching a campaign to promote responsible enjoyment of the countryside. As well as aiming to tackle the problem of sheep and cattle worrying, the 'Love your countryside' campaign will also provide simple safety tips to enable walkers to stay safe and protect livestock.

Farmer Hugh Broom runs Sondes Place Farm, a 320 acre mixed farm near Dorking, Surrey. He lost 60 sheep over a three-month period, and said dog attacks on livestock at the farm are not rare. "Livestock worrying is completely unnecessary and really is totally preventable. Many owners do act responsibly and control their dogs, however, when they don't the consequences can be awful. Attacks on our animals cause untold suffering and horrendous injuries, which often results in them having to be put down," he said.

Mr Broom added, "We must work to help people understand the damage that can be done as sadly, with more and more attacks happening, the message doesn't seem to be hitting home with some dog owners."

The union is urging walkers, especially dog walkers, to avoid getting between cows and their calves,
keeping dogs close and under effective control on a lead around cows and sheep. Walkers are also urged to leave go of their dog only if they are threatened by cattle, as the cattle will chase the dog.