Reduction In Livestock Worrying, But Vigilance Remains The Message

Press Release

New data indicating a reduction in livestock worrying in Scotland has been welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates – but the organisation has urged vigilance as recorded incidents remain stubbornly high.
 

According to statistics from Police Scotland’s National Rural, Acquisitive and Business Prevention team, 216 incidents were recorded for the year ending March 30, 2025, compared to 350 incidents of dog attacks or worrying of livestock in the preceding year – a fall of 38 per cent. In 2022, 290 incidents were recorded.
 

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 introduced much tougher 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. The dog is also highly likely to be destroyed.
 

SLE in partnership with SPARC has campaigned for many years to help minimise the risks of dog attacks and to raise awareness of the financial impact and the heartbreak caused to farmers. 

Nic MacLeod, Acting Policy Adviser, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We welcome the significant drop in livestock worrying incidents over the past year, which suggests that stronger legislation and public awareness efforts could be having an impact. However, with over 200 incidents still recorded, it’s clear this remains a serious issue for farmers and land managers across Scotland. 

“Dog owners should not take a dog, even if on a lead, into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals as there is real risk of causing stress, injury and even death to pregnant animals or young. Farmers are proud of their livestock, and where animals have been killed it is devastating to have to start from scratch and try to build a flock back up. The financial impact is also severe, particularly at a time when many farms are struggling to make ends meet.

“We commend the work of Police Scotland and the rural crime team in focusing on the protection of livestock and dedicating resources to intelligence gathering, practical crime prevention and enforcement.”
Inspector Jordan Low of the National Rural, Acquisitive and Business Prevention team, Police Scotland, commented:

“Tackling dog attacks and livestock worrying remains a key priority for members of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC), due to the significant harm it causes—not only to animals, but also to the livelihoods of farmers. It is essential that dog owners take responsibility by keeping their dogs on a lead and under control around livestock. Ignoring this duty could lead to prosecution, with penalties of up to £40,000 or 12 months in prison.

“Through SPARC, Police Scotland is committed to working alongside partners over the coming years to raise awareness of the laws in place to protect livestock. Those who act irresponsibly will face the consequences.”

It is estimated that farm animals worth an estimated £102,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in Scotland in 2024, down from £123,000 in 2023, but 69% above the figure for 2022, according to figures from NFU Mutual.

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.

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 to walk where possible.
•    Explain that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 legislation states that dog owners could be fined up to £40,000 and/or sent to prison for up to 12 months, even if their dog is on a lead and an attack has not happened but it is worrying the livestock.
•    Walk away if feeling threatened or unsafe at any point.
•    If an attack is taking place, call the police using 999 stating a crime is in progress, giving as much information as possible. 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.
•    All of these points are compliant with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.