Keeppets onalead warning

Dog owners in Monklands 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 is rising.

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 sheepworrying during the past year, resulting in five sheep injured and two sheep killed per attack.

Police Scotland warned: “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.”