Dog walkers’ chance to download guidance over taking pets on farms, estates and crofts
DOG walkers allowing their dogs to worry livestock or leaving dog dirt behind are problems many farmers, crofters and land owners struggle with every day.
To help with these issues, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) yesterday published “Taking the Lead”, a set of guidance, case studies and information sheets on various ways to encourage dog walkers to behave responsibly on farms, estates and crofts.
Bridget Fenton, SNH recreation and access officer, said: “Almost four million adults visit Scotland’s great outdoors every year, and about 48 per cent of those people are accompanied by a dog. These high numbers show how dog walking helps lots of people get healthy, outdoor activity, but it’s really important to minimise the number of occasions when dogs cause land managers concerns.
“This guidance aims to influence the behaviour of the minority of dog walkers who act irresponsibly – actions that can have a big impact on livestock and wildlife, as well as those trying to enjoy the outdoors without getting dog dirt on their shoes.”
Dogs that are not kept on a lead also disturb wildlife and game birds, while not lifting dog dirt and disposing of it properly leads to the transmission of neosporosis, a parasite carried by dogs that is the most frequently diagnosed cause of c at t le abortion.
To download the guidance and other information go to www.outdoorsaccessscotland.com
United Auctions sold 8996 store North Country Cheviot (NCC) wether lambs in Lairg on Tuesday to average of £51.86 (-£3.55 on the year), while 3909 NCC ewe lambs levelled at £69.84 (+£4.34).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1387 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £74 and 180p per kg to average 149.3p (-1.6p on the week). There were also 190 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £85.50 for Texels and £56.50 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 26 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 224.5p per kg and averaged 190.3p, while bullocks peaked at 211.5p and levelled at 197.1p.
There were 102 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 120.1p and dairy cows levelled at 84.3p.
The firm also sold 873 prime lambs to a top of £72 and 162p to average 149.6p (-13.4p). The 411 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £114.50 for Texels and average £68.95 (-£7.94), while light ewes peaked at £68.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £36.44 (-£13,56).