Dog owners urged to watch pets
DOG owners are being urged to watch their pets this Easter following a rise in livestock attacks.
In new statistics obtained by Scottish Land & Estates, 350 incidents of attacks or worrying of livestock were recorded last year according to Police Scotland.
This was up from 290 incidents recorded in 2022 – an increase of over just 20 per cent.
Simon Ovenden, policy adviser (access and visitor management) at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The increase in attacks on livestock by dogs is a disturbing occurrence at a time when there have been increased awareness campaigns on this issue and penalties to deal with such incidents have never been tougher.
“A small proportion of this increase may be reflected by more incident reporting, but the statistics again clearly demonstrate that far too many people are behaving irresponsibly by failing to control their dogs and allowing them to attack or worry farmed animals, including camelids such as alpacas, and also game birds.
“Visitors, including dog owners and walkers, continue to be very much welcomed by communities and businesses in rural Scotland as spring gets under way.
“This has, however, proven to be the period when the risk of livestock worrying and attacks is at its greatest and there can be no complacency on the part of dog owners as to the risks posed in our countryside.
“Dog owners and walkers should not take a dog, even if on a lead, into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals as even mildly aggressive behaviour from a dog, such as pulling at its lead or barking, can severely stress a pregnant sheep causing it to miscarry or die.
“Such law breaking is not the dog’s fault, but that of the owner, and declaring that a dog has never acted in such a manner previously carries no weight when dealing with the aftermath of an attack on livestock. Dog walkers should enjoy rural Scotland but with care and caution practised at all times.”
Dog attacks on livestock in Scotland cost an estimated £123,000 in 2023, more than double than in 2022.
A survey of more than 1,100 dog owners carried out by NFU Scotland in 2023 found that 64 per cent were letting
their animal off the lead in the countryside, an increase of two per cent compared to 2022.
Inspector Jordan Low, of Police Scotland, said: “Protecting livestock is an important issue and a priority for members of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC).
“As we approach the Easter break, we want people to enjoy the countryside but to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
“Livestock worrying and attacks can result in injury, miscarriage and even death.
“The damage and distress caused not just to the animals, but to the farming business as well, is considerable.
“It is also a crime. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is on a lead and under control when livestock is present.
“Failure to do so can result in a £40,000 fine or a 12-month prison sentence.”