‘THE EMOTIONAL DEVASTATION IS HUGE’
done and personally it is very frustrating.”
MSP Jim Fairlie added: “The act of uncontrollable chasing alone can make ewes abort unborn lambs or die from stress as a result.
“While folk may think their dog wouldn’t hurt anything, or that they are only playing, the reality is that this kind of action is reckless and dangerous to the lives of livestock.
“If it’s cows with calves that are in the fields, owners put their own lives at risk as cows will chase dogs and people have been killed as a result.
“This is a very serious issue that people need to understand.”
It is a criminal offence to allow a dog to worry sheep, and dog owners under new legislation can be fined up to £40,000 and face 12 month imprisonment, according to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021.
Mr Fairlie called on all dog owners to keep their pets on leads when near livestock. He said: “I’m a dog owner myself and know only too well that even if your dog is well behaved that their instincts are to chase.
“Once a sheep starts running it’s very difficult, even for a dog with generally good recall, to go against its instincts and return. It’s far safer for all concerned to stay out of fields with livestock and keep dogs on leads if livestock of any kind are nearby.
“This is a time of year when folk typically want to get out more, and it’s absolutely right they should be able to access the countryside, but it must be done responsibly and with full knowledge of the Access Code.
“This is a very delicate time of year as we are in lambing season and unfortunately far too many of these incidents continue to occur in my constituency and around the country.
“My message for people is to be mindful of their surroundings and if there’s a chance they might come into contact with sheep and lambs please make sure your pet is kept under control because the reality is this causes completely unacceptable and serious harm for livestock and devastates the livelihoods of hard-working farmers.”
Police believe the Blairadam Estate lambs were attacked by at least one dog, and are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time to get in touch.
Inspector Stephen Gray said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident and we are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
“Dog owners could face prosecution if their dog attacks livestock so we are urging them to keep dogs on a lead when walking near livestock as well as making sure they do not run or escape into fields on their own.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101.