Cases down, prosecutions rise – but dog problems persist

A CO-ORDINATED crime fighting campaign has seen cases of sheep worrying during lambing time drop by nearly 40 per cent on the year.

The three-month campaign, led by Police Scotland, saw 43 livestock worrying incidents reported – all but two of these cases involving sheep.

Like last year, most incidents involved a single dog and in more than half of these the offending dog was local to the area and was either roaming free or otherwise not under proper control.

In 86 per cent of recorded incidents, farm animals were either injured or died as a result.

This campaign, the third of its kind in a year, has also led to an increase in prosecutions.

Inspector Jane Donaldson, Police Scotland rural crime co-ordinator, said: ‘I am encouraged with this reduction in livestock worrying crimes compared to the same period last year and grateful for the support of our partners, in particular NFU Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Kennel Club to raise awareness of this crime, encourage farmers to report incidents and to educate dog owners.

‘The effects of livestock worrying on farmers cannot be underestimated – the loss of any animals will devastate a farmer, and can also have a significant financial impact.

‘Dog owners living near farmland should never let their dog out unaccompanied and must ensure that their garden is secure.

‘Anyone exercising their dogs in the countryside should keep them under proper control at all times when out walking, never let their dogs enter fields where livestock is grazing, and should adhere, at all times, to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.’

Farmers are being encouraged to help walkers by pointing out alternative routes avoiding livestock and to report all incidents of livestock worrying to Police Scotland, including occasions where there has been a ‘near-miss’.

Martin Kennedy, NFU Scotland vice president, said: ‘We welcome these figures following the threemonth campaign earlier this year, and we are pleased that Police Scotland is giving such focus to livestock worrying.

‘Whilst these figures are encouraging, the issue of livestock worrying remains severe for many of our members across Scotland.

‘NFU Scotland continues to believe that many instances are unreported, and we would urge all farmers and crofters to ensure that they report each and every attack to ensure that Police Scotland has an accurate picture of this problem, and so that we can continue to work together to find solutions.’