Dog attack fears over sheep... and alpacas

THEY are familiar as domesticated animals grazing in the foothills of the Andes.

But increasing numbers of llamas and alpacas – which are famed for their wool – are being reared in Scotland.

This has meant, however, that along with more traditional livestock, such as sheep and horses, they are at risk of attack by stray dogs, campaigners have warned.

They have highlighted the problem – including incidents involving ‘latchkey’ pets which have escaped while their owner is at work – in an initiative by organisations including Police Scotland, the National Farmers Union (NFU) of Scotland and landowners’ body Scottish Land and Estates.

Their campaign – called Your Dog, Your Responsibility – was launched yesterday.

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, who is taking forward a member’s Bill on livestock worrying, said: ‘We have seen an increased number of dog attacks on livestock in the past ten years.

‘Last year, there were about 175 recorded and some incidents have not been reported. Livestock isn’t just about sheep. We are proposing to extend the definition of livestock to include llamas and alpacas.

‘We want people to access the countryside and do it in the most responsible manner.’

Campaigners also want dog owners to understand the distressing nature of such incidents as well as the financial impact that they can have.

Police say dog owners must take responsibility for the actions of their pet.

Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, the chairman of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, said: ‘Tackling livestock attacks is an important issue and remains a priority for us.’ NFU Scotland added that dogs being left at home while owners are out, then escaping, is just as much an issue as when owners are out in the countryside walking their dogs.

Head of policy Gemma Cooper said: ‘In some cases it is people out walking their dogs. In other cases it’s maybe more of a social issue but it is people that literally open the gate and let their dog go.

‘Unfortunately, the way that dogs’ brains work is that when they’ve done something once, they’re likely to go back and do it again.’