Dog walkers urged to excercise caution to avoid livestock attacks

Farmers and land managers have renewed their appeal for dog walkers and owners to take care around livestock in rural Scotland this spring.

 

Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, said it was crucial to minimise the risk of dog attacks when the lambing season was under way and with a spike in visitors to the countryside expected in the coming weeks.

 

A total of 301 incidents of livestock attacks by dogs were recorded in Scotland in 2021, with yet to be finalised statistics suggesting that number dipped, but only slightly, to 262 incidents in 2022.

 

This is the second lambing period since tougher legislation for livestock attacks under the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 has been in force. Dog owners could face up to a £40,000 fine or even be sent to prison - or both - for allowing their dog to attack or worry farmed animals, including alpacas and game birds.

 

SLE said dog owners and land managers could take steps to minimise the risk of livestock attacks or worrying from taking place.

 

Simon Ovenden, Policy Adviser (Access and Visitor Management) at Scottish Land and Estates, said: “Spring and summer is the period when the risk of livestock worrying and attacks is at its greatest and there can be no complacency by dog owners as to the risks posed in our countryside.

 

“Dog-owners and walkers should not take a dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals and should always keep their dog on a short lead, under close control.

 

“Dog walkers should also try to stay as far away from livestock as possible. Even aggressive behaviour from a dog such as barking can cause a pregnant sheep to die or miscarry.

 

“Such incidents are not the dog’s fault but that of the owner and declaring a dog has never acted in such a manner previously is of no importance when dealing with the aftermath of an attack on livestock.”

 

Police Scotland also offered its ongoing support in the campaign against livestock attacks, highlighting the effect these incidents have on rural areas.

 

Inspector Alan Dron, Police Scotland National Rural Crime Co-ordinator, said: “Despite numerous high-profile campaigns over many years, we are still seeing too many incidents of livestock attacks and worrying in our rural areas, often where dogs are being let off the leash or being left unattended and escaping from homes and gardens.

 

“We want people to enjoy the countryside, as it’s an important aspect for people’s wellbeing, however it is vital that when doing so, those with dogs act responsibly and keep them under control whenever there is a possibility livestock are nearby.”

 

Farmers and land managers are encouraged by Scottish Land and Estates to display clear, simple information signs aimed at the public on gates and fences at certain times of year. Signs are available to download for free from the SLE website at www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/our-work/access/SLE-signage or they can be ordered for a nominal fee.

 

Photograph: Simon Ovenden, Policy Adviser (Access and Visitor Management) at Scottish Land and Estates. NO_F15_SimonOvenden_ScottishLandAndEstates