Livestock-worrying cases hit seven-year high

The number of livestock-worrying incidences across Scotland has hit a seven-year high following a sharp rise in the number of reported attacks.

Revealing shocking figures, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, NFU Scotland has issued an open warning to members of the public that all dogs must be kept on a lead when walking in the countryside.

According to the union, a total of 179 attacks of dogs on livestock were reported throughout last year resulting in either the injury or death of farm animals.

That figure is up by more than 34% on the previous year.

The Highlands and Islands and Lothians and Borders saw the greatest number of livestock-worrying incidents, suffering 36 and 27 respectively, with Aberdeenshire and Moray in third with 22.

As farmers and crofters enter a busy time of year for lambing and calving, the losses that are caused by livestockworrying can be highly distressing, the NFUS said .

Ayrshire farmer Jimmy Ireland, of Feoch Farm, has had an ongoing issue with dogs worrying sheep on his farm.

“Sheep-worrying continues to be a burden on us, and it is not just the financial losses we suffer, but the stress it can cause for sheep, and the time we have to take away from the day-to-day running of our business to deal with such cases,” Mr Ireland said.

“Those responsible just don’t realise the damage their dogs can do by being amongst livestock.”

Although Mr Ireland conceded the majority of dog-walkers in the area behave in a responsible manner the consequences of the actions of just 1% acting carelessly can devastate farm businesses.

NFUS vice-president Gary Mitchell said: “Sheep are particularly at risk during the spring lambing period and we need dog owners to take action to prevent livestock worrying otherwise, if their dog is found worrying livestock they could face prosecution, as we have seen with some cases that have gone to court recently.

“The farmer is also within their legal rights to shoot a dog if it is found to be worrying livestock – not a decision that is taken lightly.”

Picture: Kim Cessford. Farmer Robert Paterson was left counting the cost of a sheep-worrying incident at his farm near Muthill in January. One sheep was killed and several were badly hurt.