Estate visitors urged to keep dogs on lead after death of sheep

Plea to owners after out of control pets scare and scatter farm animals

Shocking livestock deaths on a popular Fife estate have prompted landowners to demand that dog owners keep their pets on a lead at all times.

Staff at Falkland Estate’s Home Farm have issued an urgent appeal to visitors following the tragic loss of a sheep last Friday, the second animal to die as a result of dogs being let off their leash in as many weeks.

Police Scotland is investigating the incidents and it is understood officers met farm workers earlier this week to offer them advice to avoid any repeat.

However, farm manager Robin Nisbet has called for all visitors to keep their pets under proper control.

“We have now lost two animals in the past couple of weeks as dogs run into fields where the sheep are grazing.

“This scares and scatters the animals, which in turn leads to injuries and distress, which can be fatal.

“We ask everyone, dog walkers and non-dog walkers alike, to please take steps to ensure that dogs are kept under control on a leash when visiting the estate.

“This in turn helps everyone to feel safe and prevents the unnecessary and upsetting death of animals which have been reared and cared for at Falkland.

“It is particularly important at this time of year when lambing and calving is taking place on the farm and we wish to avoid any distress to ewes and cows which are birthing.”

Prior to the latest incident, The Courier understands police were called after employees had to deal with rubbish that had been dumped and burned.

The Falkland Centre for Stewardship’s director, Helen Lawrenson, said: “We had a busy weekend with a number of new visitors as well as our regulars.

“People were taking advantage of the easing of the lockdown restrictions and the good weather.

“People generally were respectful of each other and the social distancing guidelines and there was a good atmosphere on the estate.

“However, we also noticed an increase in litter and we had to advise a couple of people that barbecues are not allowed on the estate for safety reasons.’’

Anyone with information in relation to any of the incidents highlighted should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It is particularly important at this time of year when lambing and calving is taking place on the farm and we wish to avoid any distress to ewes and cows which are birthing. ROBIN NISBET