Appeal to dog owners as lambing time nears

NaUS and police back calls for pets to be kept on leads at all times when walking in the countryside

Dog walkers have been urged to keep their four-legged friends on a lead at all times when walking in areas with livestock.

The plea from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) comes ahead of lambing time, which will soon be in full swing on farms and crofts across the country.

According to CNPA land management adviser and local farmer, Bruce McConachie, dogs running loose in fields with pregnant sheep and newborn lambs can result in devastating consequences.

“Dog owners are being reminded they must be careful with their pets around sheep and other livestock,” said Mr McConachie.

“Pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are extremely vulnerable and nervous at this time of year and should not be worried by dogs that have been allowed to run loose.

“The consequences can be devastating from miscarriage to injuries as a direct result of chasing or attacks by dogs that are not in control.”

Police Scotland’s rural crime co-ordinator, Inspector Jane Donaldson, said incidents of dog attacks on sheep tend to increase during the lambing period.

She said: “Dog owners should also be aware that a farmer has the right to kill or injure any dog worrying their livestock, and no one wants to see sheep or someone’s family pet being killed or injured.”

She urged anyone who witnesses dogs attacking livestock to call police on 101.

Her plea was backed by Gemma Cooper from farmers’ union NFU Scotland (NFUS).

Ms Cooper said: “With lambing about to start, NFUS would remind the public that they should not take dogs in fields with very young lambs or heavily pregnant ewes, but should find an alternative route.”

Picture: Kim Cessford. Farmers have the right to kill or injure any dog worrying their livestock.

Dog attacks on sheep can have devastating consequences and police are urging anyone who witnesses an attack to report it.