It was with a wry smile I noted comments in recent publications regarding the Lynx Trust arranging insurance cover for the entire sheep population against a Lynx attack. As a Farm Insurance Adviser I would be interested in reading the policy wording.

The closest comparison to this insurance must be sheep worrying cover. Any farmer will be aware of the cost of this – especially if they have had previous claims, and the information that must be provided to allow claims to be dealt with.

I would be surprised to hear if an insurer pay the claims for every time a farmers reports lambs missing , they would require confirmation that the sheep was injured or killed by a Lynx and not a stray dog or fox badger. This may be difficult to prove and could lead to a complicated claim.

Given that the organisation doesn’t appear to believe that Lynx’ attack sheep can we assume when a report of an attack is made it will be treated sympathetically given their basic thoughts?

The idea of ‘being insured’ may be enough to convince the pen pushers and do gooders that all will be well, but anyone with a practical knowledge of farming and insurance will tell you otherwise.

Matt McWhirter

Farmers & Mercantile Insurance Brokers

Ayr