Renewed calls for short leash for dogs

THE lambing season is a joyful time of year, but for farmers it can also be stressful – especially with people crossing land, many with dogs in tow.

Now, a new report by researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has called for changes to legislation – including a higher level of fines to be imposed for dog-related offences, and for guidance around livestock worrying to be reviewed.

The Land Reform (Scotland)

Act 2003 and Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) outline the responsibilities of users and managers of the land, while a separate Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act tackles the issue of out-of-control dogs attacking and worrying livestock.

The key recommendations of the report, which was produced following a workshop with countryside rangers, dog training experts and farmers among others, are to review the wording of the SOAC to reduce ambiguity and improve clarity. This includes removing the option of keeping a dog under ‘close control’ and using only the term ‘keeping it on a short lead’.

Co-author Dr Kate Lamont, a behavioural scientist at SRUC, said: “Across Scotland, from large lowland farms near urban settlements to crofts in remote parts of the Highlands and Islands, there is a recurrent problem of dogs negatively impacting on livestock.

“The term ‘ livestock worrying’ is often more than a sheep or cow feeling anxious about a dog – it can be bloody and brutal, with biting, chasing to the point of exhaustion, miscarriage, and killing commonly reported.

“Many dog owners are caught out unawares, are apologetic and upset by their dog’s behaviour, and will take steps to avoid repetition. However, others angrily defend what they describe as their right to roam – not realising that their right is for responsible access.

“Farmers and crofters ask that dogs be kept away from livestock and, where that is not possible, that owners keep their dogs on a short lead if there is livestock nearby.”

For more information about the research work at SRUC, visit: www. sruc.ac.uk/research.