North-east dog owners urged to ensure pets are under control near livestock

Gordon MP Richard Thomson is urging dog owners to ensure their pets are under control when they exercise them near livestock.

The call comes as figures from insurer NFU Mutual reveal that farm animals worth an estimated £123,000 were severely injured or killed in Scotland in 2023, more than double the 2022 cost.

Across the UK, dog attacks on livestock were estimated to cost £2.4 million last year, up nearly 30 per cent compared to the previous year.

Mr Thomson said: “Livestock worrying is a crime in Scotland. If a dog owner does not ensure their dog is on a lead or under control when livestock is present they could land a fine or a prison sentence.

“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, farmers can shoot your dog if it is attacking or causing distress to their animals.”

With many dog owners planning to visit the countryside at a time when sheep and lambs are at their most vulnerable, NFU Mutual have issued the following advice, calling for owners to:

• Keep dogs on a lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle.

• Be aware that all dogs, regardless of size, breed and temperament, can cause the distress, injury and death of farm animals.

• Report attacks by dogs to the police or local farmers.

• Never let dogs loose unsupervised in gardens near livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.