Keep dogs on the lead

Dog owners in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are being urged to keep their pets on a lead when in the countryside.

The call comes from Police Scotland after rural insurer NFU Mutual warned the cost to farmers of dog attacks on livestock rose by an estimated 50 per cent during the first quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, a survey by the National Sheep Association (NSA) suggests 67 per cent of sheep farmers are dealing with an increase in dog attacks on their livestock during the pandemic.

On average, each respondent experienced seven cases of sheep-worrying during the past year, resulting in five sheep injured and two sheep killed per attack.

Police Scotland took to social media channels to warn residents, posting:“Even the most obedient pet can worry livestock.

“Please keep your dogs on a lead in the countryside.

“If a dog worries livestock on any agricultural land, the owner of the dog, and anyone who is in charge of the dog other than its owner, shall be guilty of an offence.

“You can be prosecuted with 12 months’imprisonment, fined up to £40,000 and ordered to pay compensation under the new amendment.”

Livestock includes all farming animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry.

Residents are also being encouraged to report any livestock worrying incidents by: ■Notifying police. ■Notifying the nearest farm/ smallholding – urgent vet assistance may be required to prevent further suffering to the injured animal. ■Identifying dog owner/vehicles involved.

■If your dog has worried livestock, place on lead immediately and notify police.

■If your dog is missing, report to police.