Livestock worrying fall is welcomed
Distressing crime drops by nearly 40 per cent
A coordinated crime clampdown in rural areas has seen cases of livestock worrying drop.
Police Scotland said 43 incidents were reported in a three-month period over the spring lambing period, a fall of nearly 40 per cent when compared to the same time last year
All but two cases involved sheep and, like last year, most incidents involved only one dog.
In 53% of this year’s reported livestock worrying, the offending dog was local to the area and was either roaming free or not under proper control.
Sadly, in 86% of cases, the animals were either injured or died.
The campaign, the third since spring 2016, has also led to an increase in prosecutions with almost three times as many people convicted of livestock worrying offences in 2015 and 2016 than in 2014.
Direct penalties – a fiscal fine or compensation order – increased threefold in 2016 compared to 2015.
Inspector Jane Donaldson, Police Scotland’s rural crime coordinator, 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.”
She continued: “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.
“These crimes are wholly preventable and a key part of this campaign has been to educate dog owners on their responsibilities whether they live in rural areas or when they’re walking or exercising their animals in the countryside and by working with partners we hope the message is being taken on board and reflected in the reduction in the number of cases of livestock worrying which have been reported to Police Scotland.”
Inspector Donaldson added: “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 to adhere, at all times, to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
“Following these simple rules will keep both dogs and livestock safe and ensure everyone can enjoy the countryside.”
Farmers are being encouraged to help walkers by indicating alternative routes avoiding enclosures with livestock and to report all incidents of livestock worrying to the police, including occasions where there has been a “near-miss”.
Martin Kennedy, NFU
Martin Kennedy, NFU Scotland vice-president Scotland vice-president and a livestock farmer near Aberfeldy, commented: “We welcome these figures following the three-month campaign earlier this year, and we are pleased that Police Scotland is giving such focus to livestock worrying.
“While 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.
“We would remind dog walkers that farmers have the right to shoot a dog caught worrying livestock, and we unfortunately we have seen a few instances of this occurring recently.”
Karen Ramoo, policy officer at Scottish Land and Estates, said: “This is a welcome drop in the number of livestock worrying incidents and reflects the positive effect that Police Scotland and rural organisations can have in targeting this problem.
“There is a need to maintain momentum, however, as we seek to reduce the number of incidents year on year.”
She went on to explain: “Scottish Land & Estates launched its Care for the Countryside campaign at the Royal Highland Show – an initiative which reiterates positive messages on responsible dog ownership in rural Scotland.”
SNH’s Theresa Kewell said: “It’s very encouraging to see that the number of sheep worrying incidents is dropping, but we are looking forward to this figure reducing to zero in the future.
“There’s plenty of guidance and practical advice available at www. jessthedog.org.uk. Every dog owner can help make a difference.”
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: “This research again shows that the main cause of sheep worrying is local dog owners repeatedly allowing their dogs to stray.
“Such irresponsible ownership needlessly puts dogs’ lives at risk, as well as farm animals and wildlife.
“We encourage the responsible majority of dog owners to report strays and we support local councils in targeting the irresponsible minority at an early stage using dog control notices.”
Anthony McGeehan works with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal.
Welcoming the reduction in offending, he went on: “Recognising the continued impact of this type of crime on victims and communities, we will continue to take appropriate prosecutorial action where there is a sufficiency of evidence.
“The figures demonstrate the value of engagement with NFU Scotland in developing policy, which includes offences of livestock worrying, and our continued membership of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime.”
The figures refer to the whole of Scotland but include several local incidents.