‘Even the friendliest family pet’ can be a ‘sheep killer’
A SHEEP farmer and Argyll and Bute councillor is determined to ensure dog owners keep their pets on leads and under control.
John Armour spoke out at his farm, above Drumlemble, on Tuesday afternoon following a particularly horrific instance of sheep worrying by a pack of dogs in Argyll and Bute, which left animals with parts of their faces torn away.
Mr Armour said: ‘It is absolutely crucial to keep dogs on leads. The outdoor lambing season is in full swing and it is so important that folk are vigilant.
‘Despite all the warn- ings and signs round sheep farming areas, there are people who do not seem to be getting the message.
‘The consequences for livestock and the dog can be horrendous. No-one wants to see their family pet destroyed.’
Mr Armour related a story about how early one morning just after sunrise, at about 6.30am, he was coming up the drive to his farm, far from the road, and found a dog roaming.
‘First I came on a man walking up the drive,’ said Mr Armour, ‘Further on there was a dog running about free.
‘I went back, explained the situation about lambing and having animals in the fields and asked the dog owner to put his pet on a lead immediately.
‘He agreed and apologised. I think he was on holiday and did not come from an area with much agriculture.
‘What we need is for all dog owners to be vigilant with their dogs. Even the friendliest family pet can turn into a killer.’
Mr Armour said that he went to the site of the recent dog attack and added: ‘I visited the incident site and was particularly impressed by the way council officials and Police Scotland handled the situation.’