Livestock worrying reaches new high
THE Highlands and Islands saw the highest number of livestock worrying cases in 2016.
Livestock worrying in Scotland has hit a seven-year high, as NFU Scotland issued an open letter to the public urging them to keep dogs on leads when out and about in the countryside over the coming months.
Last year saw the highest number of instances from the past seven years, prompting the union to renew its plea to dog owners to avoid fields with livestock, and keep dogs under control if out enjoying the countryside.
Figures, obtained by NFU Scotland through a Freedom of Information request, detailed that there had been 179 instances of livestock worrying, where the animals have been hurt or killed. That is up by 46 incidents on the previous year.
The Highlands and Islands saw the highest number of livestock worrying at 36, with Lothian and Borders at 27 respectively, with Aberdeenshire and Moray in third with 22.
Gary Mitchell, vice-president of NFU Scotland, said: ‘The worrying of livestock can have devastating consequences for a farmer and their stock and, as these statistics suggest, it is becoming an increasing problem for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
‘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 – and that is not a decision that is taken lightly.
‘We are appealing to dog walkers to avoid fields where young livestock or heavily pregnant ewes are present, and if there is no alternative route, owners should keep their dogs on a lead and under close control or at heel.
‘We also ask farmers and crofters to report instances to Police Scotland after they have occurred, taking photographic evidence where possible.
‘Farmers who have an ongoing problem with individuals letting their dogs worry livestock are encouraged to contact their local authority to enforce a Dog Control Notice to deter this sort of behaviour.’