AWARENESS is growing of new legislation and tougher penalties on livestock attacks, say police and farming leaders.
There have been the first criminal convictions under the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 and reports of attacks are down.
However, there is concern that many dog owners in Scotland are still unaware they could face a fine of £40,000 if their pet attacks livestock.
A new survey by NFU Mutual found that 29 per cent of respondents knew about the potential fines, up four per cent from last year.
Furthermore, 32 per cent of dog owners also understood they could be imprisoned for allowing their pet to attack farm animals, compared to 22 per cent this time last year; and four in ten dog owners surveyed felt Police Scotland were now taking dog attacks on livestock more seriously.
But despite 64 per cent of owners admitting their dogs chase other animals, almost half believe their dog is not capable of injuring or killing livestock. Many are unaware that even if their pet chases sheep and doesn’t make contact, the distress and exhaustion can cause a pregnant ewe to die or miscarry or separate lambs from their mothers.
The Act came into force in November 2021, following a successful Members Bill brought by South Scotland MSP Emma Harper.
Initial police estimates show 262 cases were reported in 2022, down from 301 in 2021, while NFU Mutual’s estimates suggest the cost of dog attacks on Scotland’s livestock fell by almost a third last year.
Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual Scotland manager, said: “It’s encouraging to see the new legislation with serious penalties for irresponsible dog owners is taking effect.
“But the situation facing many of Scotland’s livestock is still harrowing, with dogs chasing, injuring and killing sheep each year.
“We are calling for dog owners to be responsible and accept their pets, however friendly, are capable of chasing and attacking farm animals and should be kept on a lead when walked anywhere near livestock.”
Emma Harper added: “Farmers are still being financially and emotionally impacted as a result of attacks on their livestock by out-of-control dogs.
“In the last session of Parliament, I took forward the Act which increased the penalties available for those who allow their dogs to attack livestock. This law is now in force. I greatly appreciate the support and engagement from organisations, including NFU Mutual, NFU Scotland, the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, the Scottish SPCA and all others for their support with the Act and for their continued work to tackle livestock attacks and worrying by out-of-control dogs.”
And commenting, Constable Jamie Stewart of Police Scotland added: “Since the launch of the new legislation there has been a notable decrease (after a spike in numbers during 2021) of reports to the police from livestock owners and people who have witnessed attacks taking place.
“Crime prevention and reducing the number of attacks is our priority and we will continue to work with partners in raising awareness of the responsibilities of dog owners when walking their dogs in areas where they may encounter livestock.”
