Operation Recall

A National Initiative

The Operation RECALL project, with partners the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), the RSPCA and Naturewatch Foundation, was launched in October 2023 by Cheshire Police and is now a national initiative.

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The story so far…

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Our aims…

We aim to drastically reduce the number of incidents where animals suffer, whether that's injured livestock or dogs killed as a consequence of an attack.
Every year, thousands of farm animals and wildlife are killed or injured by dog attacks. Figures suggest at least one dog a week* is shot because of livestock attacks. *BBC 2016
Many attacks could be avoided if dog walkers acted responsibly in areas with roaming animals. Dogs escaping from gardens is also a key problem, and preventative methods, such as secure fencing, are vital to avoid incidents.

What we are doing…

Created and integrated an educational video into the Criminal Justice System for offenders. This forms part of a conditional caution, whereby they must attend a police station and be educated on the consequences of their actions.
Created a policing toolkit to enable police officers to deal confidently with incidents on the ground.
Raise awareness with the public about the extent of the problem and provide tips on keeping their dogs safe and livestock safe.
Working with rural communities to keep livestock safe.

What does R.E.C.A.L.L stand for?

R - Responsibility

Understanding responsibilities as a dog owner, promote responsible dog ownership and ensure proper control of dogs on land where livestock may be present.

E - Education

Educate dog owners or those responsible for dogs on responsible dog ownership.

C - Control

Understanding what control of a dog means and the legalities around not having control of dogs in a public place, especially where livestock may be present.

A - Accountability

Understanding the accountability that dog owners or those responsible for dogs have for their dog’s actions, whether reckless or intentional, under the legislation and the possible outcomes of prosecution.

L - Livestock

Understand the possible animal welfare implications and the effects of livestock attacks and worrying by dogs on the livestock itself.

L - Livelihood

Understand the possible financial implications, the effects of livestock attacks and dog worrying on the farmer/livestock owner, and the possible consequences for the offender.

The law is very clear about responsibilities when controlling a dog around livestock. Unfortunately, livestock attacks or incidents of livestock worrying all too frequently result in the needless death of the animals. These tragic outcomes can be avoided by ensuring your dog is properly controlled.

Jim Clark, Naturewatch Foundation

I always feel that ‘worrying’ is the wrong word when I have dealt with animals that are bleeding to death and a much-loved dog has been shot because of their owner's lack of responsibility. An easily avoidable incident with a simple clip of a lead onto a collar.

PC Caroline, Newsome, West Yorkshire Police

Some actions in life we can't avoid. This is one we can.

Geoff Edmond, RSPCA

Don't be under any illusions; it's never the dog's fault.

Paul, Sheep Farmer

Operation Recall

Tegg's Nose Country Park

To mark the policing Week of Action for Operation RECALL, we held an event at Tegg’s Nose Country Park in Cheshire on Saturday the 30th March 2024.

Many walkers and dog owners came along to support the event and say hello with their furry friends!

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You can still get involved

Take the lead and sign a pledge for animals!

Do you care for a dog and enjoy taking them to enjoy the countryside?

Take our RECALL pledge to keep your dog and grazing animals safer.

As a thank you for doing your bit to prevent animals from suffering, we’ll send you a free Operation RECALL car air freshener!

How you can help

There are lots of ways to help with our work, from making a donation through to holding fundraising events or even getting involved as a volunteer. Below, you can explore the different ways to help us continue raising standards for animals.