Livestock Protection Dog Liability Insurance Survey

Livestock Protection Dog Liability Insurance Survey

An insurance company is in the process of developing a Livestock Protection Dog Liability Insurance Policy for producers and others in the sheep industry who use dogs to protect sheep.

The company developing the policy is currently surveying livestock producers in order to meet the industry’s needs.

Casualty Underwriters Insurance Company said the purpose of the policy is to cover the working dogs (guardian dogs and herding dogs) that are generally excluded from the typical farm/ranch or home owner’s liability coverages.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Canine Research Council, over $400 million is paid annually in all dog-liability claims in the United States, with the average claim being approximately $29,000.

It is the intent of the sheep industry’s Livestock Protection Dog Liability Insurance Program to include claims defense so that the industry can develop an expert claimdefense legal team to be used nationwide. It is expected that the coverage would include all working dogs and not require specific dog identification.

While not fully developed, there would be underwriting criteria, such as proximity to the sheep/flock and the dog’s physical condition.

To assist in the development of a Livestock Protection Dog Liability Insurance Policy, producers can complete the survey at www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2085539/Livestock-Protection-Dog-Insurance-Survey.

Surveys must be completed by May 20.

The survey is also available at www.sheepusa.org/IssuesPrograms_Programs_Livestock- ProtectionDogs