NFU leader talks of disappointment over actions of pet owners

Farming chiefs have been working closely with Perth and Police Scotland to raise awareness of sheep worrying.

They had hoped to see a decrease in figures after a couple of years of increased attacks, and so have been horrified to see the numbers spike in 2016.

It is always possible that more farmers have simply chosen to report incidents, but inconsiderate dog owners are at the heart of the problem.

Roddy Kennedy, NFU Scotland’s regional board chairman for East Central, said: “It is very disappointing that despite the extensive awareness-raising that has taken place in recent months on this issue, a small minority of the public continue to allow their dogs to worry sheep.

“NFU Scotland strongly supports a robust approach to this issue, including prosecution of irresponsible dog owners.

“The worrying of livestock by domestic dogs can have a very damaging impact on the livelihoodscause significantof farmers,and unnecessaryas well as distress to the animals themselves. “Anyone walking their dog in the countryside should ensure their dogs are adequately controlled so that they are unable to cause distress or injury to farm animals.” Mr Kennedy added: “Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that they are in control of their dogs at all times and should avoid fields with livestock, where possible. “Where livestock are unavoidable, dogs should always be kept under close control, preferably on a short lead. “Remember that even if they are usually very obedient, it’s every dog’s instinct to chase and they don’t understand the impact of this – but you do. “It’s important that dog walkers prepare to meet livestock whenever they’re walking in the countryside, even if its routes they’ve travelled before, as livestock tend to be moved with the seasons.”