A Police Scotland spokesperson at Dumbarton said: “Livestock attacks and worrying is the phrase used when a dog attacks or worries livestock animals in rural and farmland areas.
“This crime usually takes place in the countryside and is a particular problem when dogs, even those that are well trained, are off their leads or are roaming without an owner or person in charge with them. In doing so, they often scare or attack livestock animals.
“Whilst many owners are unaware of the impact their dogs are having on livestock, it is their responsibility to ensure attacks and worrying don’t happen. They should ensure their dog doesn’t disturb or attack these animals, otherwise there are consequences under the law if it does occur.”
Some examples of livestock worrying include:
- a dog chasing livestock in a manner that could cause injury or suffering,
- the stress caused to the animal by the presence of the dog, could, in the case of female livestock, cause abortion or miscarriage,
- livestock becoming desperate in their attempts to escape and injure themselves in doing so,
- dogs who chase ewes or lambs may cause them to separate from their mothers, later dying of starvation or hypothermia.
Reporting livestock attacks and worrying
Call 999 if the crime is ongoing and animals are being injured. To report a crime which isn’t ongoing call 101 or submit an online Contact Us form.
What are Police Scotland doing about it?
Their spokesperson added: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling rural crime and, in particular, livestock attacks and worrying. We chair, drive and focus activity for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC).
“This partnership consists of over 20 relevant rural organisations including NFU Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish Crofting Federation and NFU Mutual, coming together to pro-actively prevent, reduce and tackle rural crime.
“It also works to raise awareness of rural crimes and ensure the public is informed in what they can do to help.”
Livestock attacks and worrying and the law
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 5 November 2021 to tackle the issue of out of controls dogs attacking and worrying livestock.
Under this law, the term “livestock” is wide ranging and includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine (pigs/boars), horses, camelids (alpacas/lamas), ostriches, farmed deer, enclosed game birds or poultry.
What are the consequences of livestock attacks and worrying?
Under this new law, passed recently in the Scottish Parliament, owners of dogs that attack or worry livestock can be fined up to £40,000 or even sent to prison for up to 12 months.
Advice for dog owners and land managers
Dog owners
It’s important for dog owners to be aware that livestock are valuable assets and any harm to them could significantly affect the livestock owners livelihood.
There are a number of things owners can do to reduce the chances of their dog committing a livestock attack or worrying crime.
When in the countryside, be wary of your dog approaching other animals. Try to stop your dog coming into contact with livestock. Remember, in the countryside, it may not always be obvious when animals are around.
Pictures of Glen Fruin by BILL HEANEY
If you’re in an area where livestock are nearby, always keep your dog in your sights and maintain control over them. If you can’t guarantee this, use a lead.
It’s important to be aware that under certain circumstances, land owners can shoot your dog if it is attacking or causing distress to their animals.
Land managers
There’s a number of things you can do to minimise the threat of your livestock becoming a victim of worrying and attacks.
Appropriate signage can make walkers in the area aware of their responsibilities and can suggest alternative routes if you’re worried of an attack or worrying.
You will also need to think about public access near your land and any risks that this can cause to your animals.
Top picture is of dogs at play by the late David Kelso