Dog Walkers Urged To Exercise Caution To Avoid Livestock Attacks This Easter

Press Release

Farmers and land managers have renewed their appeal for dog walkers and owners to take care around livestock in rural Scotland this Easter.

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, said it was crucial to minimise the risk of dog attacks when the lambing season was underway and with a spike in visitors to the countryside expected in the coming weeks.

A total of 301 incidents of livestock attacks by dogs were recorded in Scotland in 2021, with yet to be finalised statistics suggesting that number dipped, but only slightly, to 262 incidents in 2022.

This is the second lambing period since tougher legislation for livestock attacks under the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 has been in force. Dog owners could face up to a £40,000 fine or even be sent to prison - or both - for allowing their dog to attack or worry farmed animals, including alpacas and game birds.

A recent survey, carried out by NFU Scotland, of more than 1,100 dog owners found that despite 64% of owners admitting their dogs chased other animals, almost half of those (46%) believe their dog is not capable of injuring or killing livestock.

Scottish Land & Estates is one of the partners in a campaign with Police Scotland to promote the key message ‘Your Dog – Your Responsibility’. SLE said dog owners and land managers could take steps to minimise the risk of livestock attacks or worrying from taking place.

Simon Ovenden, Policy Adviser (Access and Visitor Management) at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“Visitors, including dog owners and walkers, are very much welcomed by communities and businesses in rural Scotland as Spring and Summer gets underway. It is, however, the period when the risk of livestock worrying and attacks is at its greatest and there can be no complacency by dog owners as to the risks posed in our countryside.

“Dog-owners and walkers should not take a dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals and should always keep their dog on a short lead, under close control. Dog walkers should also try to stay as far away from livestock as possible – even aggressive behaviour from a dog such as barking can cause a pregnant sheep to die or miscarry.

“Such incidents are not the dog’s fault, but that of the owner, and declaring that a dog has never acted in such a manner previously is of no importance when dealing with the aftermath of an attack on livestock. Dog walkers should enjoy rural Scotland but with care and caution practised at all times.”

Police Scotland also offered their ongoing support in the campaign against livestock attacks, highlighting the effect these incidents have on rural areas. 

Inspector Alan Dron, Police Scotland National Rural Crime Coordinator, said: “Attacks on livestock by dogs is an emotive issue that impacts rural communities throughout Scotland and a key element in raising awareness is to ensure dog owners understand the distressing as well as emotional and financial impacts such incidents can have, not just on crofters, farmers and livestock owners, but everyone having to deal with the aftermath. 

“Despite numerous high-profile campaigns over many years, we are still seeing too many incidents of livestock attacks and worrying in our rural areas, often where dogs are being let off the leash or being left unattended and escaping from homes and gardens.  We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s an important aspect for people’s wellbeing however it’s vital that when doing so, those with dogs act responsibly and keep them under control whenever there is a possibility that livestock are nearby.”

Farmers and land managers are encouraged by Scottish Land & Estates to display clear, simple information signs aimed at the public on gates and fences at certain times of year. Signage is available to download for free from the SLE website or they can be ordered for a nominal fee.

If a farmer or landowner has concerns regarding the behaviour of a visitor or their dog, they are advised to:

• Try to offer advice in a friendly but direct way to avoid any situation escalating to an unfortunate level.
• Point out any restrictions in place and explain clearly why certain areas are off limits or inadvisable to enter.
• Suggest an alternative route for them to walk where possible.
• Explain there is new legislation which means dog owners could be heavily fined or sent to prison if their dog attacks farmed animals.
• Walk away if feeling threatened or unsafe at any point.
• If an attack is taking place, try to get photos or a video and descriptions of the dog, the person(s) with the animal, their vehicle if there is one, and the time of day. Call the police using 999 stating a crime is in progress, giving as much information as possible.

Information signage for farming businesses is available to download for free or order via this link: https://www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/our-work/access/SLE-signage