Mixed picture on livestock worrying causes concern

Press Release

New figures on livestock worrying in Scotland show a decline in recorded incidents last year but rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) warns the number is still too high, notably in Spring, when lambs and calves are in the field.

According to data from Police Scotland’s National Rural, Acquisitive and Business Prevention team, 211 incidents were recorded for the year ending March 30, 2026, down from 216 the previous year, a fall of 2.3 per cent.

The worst months each year are March to May with 83 incidents recorded last year during March-May 2025, but 80 incidents just in the month of March 2026, a worrying increase.

SLE is a member of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime and the Livestock Worrying Priority Group, working in partnership with Police Scotland, NFUS and other rural organisations to help combat crime in the countryside.

Nic MacLeod, Policy & Public Affairs Adviser, SLE, said: “Working with partners over many years we have seen good progress in tackling livestock worrying and raising awareness among dog owners.

“We are hugely grateful to Police Scotland and the rural crime team for their dedication to intelligence gathering, practical crime prevention and enforcement.

“We remain concerned, however, that the number of incidents remains high, notably in the crucial Spring season, when new-born lambs and calves are in the field and the sheep and cows are also very vulnerable. The impact of a dog chasing, or even just approaching or barking at a pregnant ewe can cause miscarriage and the death of the sheep. This is a crime which has a huge impact on farmers and any incident of livestock worrying is one too many.”

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 introduced stringent penalties for any individual convicted of such offences, including a fine of up to £40,000 and a prison sentence of up to 12 months. In all likelihood the dog would be destroyed.

Inspector Ian Harvey of Police Scotland’s Rural, Acquisitive and Business Preventions Team (RAB-PT) said: “Police Scotland is continuing to receive reports of dogs attacking and worrying livestock across rural areas of Scotland. These incidents can have devastating consequences, including serious injury, miscarriage, and death of animals, as well as a significant financial and emotional impact on farmers. 

“Although reports are slightly down on last year’s figures, dog owners are reminded that they are legally responsible for ensuring their dog is under proper control at all times, particularly in the countryside where livestock may be present. Livestock worrying includes not only physical attacks but also chasing or allowing a dog to be loose among farm animals, which can cause severe stress and harm. 

“Domestic pets may act very differently to what their owners are used to, especially at this time of year due to the different odours in the environment. This can be an instinctive trigger for dogs which may result in them acting out of character catching owners off guard and a livestock attack occurring without warning.”

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021, offences can carry penalties of up to £40,000 or imprisonment, and police have powers to investigate incidents, seize dogs, and report offenders.

Dogs must be kept on a lead near livestock and dog-owners are advised not to enter fields where there are lambs or calves.

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 for free download from the SLE website or to be ordered for a nominal fee.

Inspector Ian Harvey continued “Livestock worrying is a serious offence and will be treated as such. We will continue to work with farming communities to investigate incidents and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary. 

“Police Scotland are also committed to working closely with the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) in raising awareness and supporting partners to tackle livestock worrying and other crimes that impact rural communities.

“Police Scotland thanks the public and partners for their cooperation in helping protect Scotland’s rural communities and animal welfare.”

Anyone who witnesses livestock worrying can call Police Scotland on 101, or 999 if an attack is ongoing and animals are in immediate danger.