MSP backs calls for stiffer penalties

Scottish Conservative shadow rural economy secretary Peter Chapman supports NFU Scotland’s “Take a Lead” campaign which calls for legislative changes.

The North East region MSP pointed out a Members’ Bill has been discussed in the Scottish Parliament for the past two years but is yet to be debated.

Mr Chapman said strengthening of existing police powers will take the burden off councils currently issuing fixed penalty notices.

He said: “A dog off the lead near livestock doesn’t necessarily end in an attack although a fright can lead to animals miscarrying.

“When a dog does attack, it can be horrific for animals and farmers dealing with the consequences.

“The responsibility for this is with dog owners.

“At the moment, police are able to charge a very small number of offenders, and the fines levied by courts are nowhere near enough to compensate the losses faced by farmers.

“So I support any Bill which will look at updating the existing legislation, upping fines and other penalties against irresponsible owners, as well as giving police more powers to collect evidence.”

Perth Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson warned allowing dogs to run free around farmland was “irresponsible”.

He said: “This is a serious situation, dog owners should be well aware that there are livestock in these fields at any time of year.

“Allowing dogs to roam free in such circumstances is irresponsible and causes great distress to sheep and cattle – and problems for the farmer.

“We would urge dog owners to be vigilant and ensure that their dogs are kept on leads at all times in the vicinity of livestock.”

MSP Peter Chapman is backing the Take a Lead campaign.