The devastating impact suffered by farmers and crofters is being highlighted in a new “sheep-wise” campaign warning the public against failing to control their dogs in the countryside.
The campaign, launched this week by the National Sheep Association of Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland, will include a short film featuring powerful first-hand accounts of the devastation caused when dogs worry sheep.
The launch coincides with the Easter weekend, when thousands of people and dogs venture into the great outdoors.
Narrated by a dog lover, the film articulates the anguish which dog owners face, along with potential criminal prosecution, if they fail to control their dogs properly in the countryside.
It also describes the devastation of seeing lambs and ewes attacked and killed by dogs.
'Heart-breaking'
Kathy Peebles, NSA Scotland vice-chairman, said: “For farmers, as well as lost income, it is heart-breaking to witness horrendous injuries in the sheep they work hard to look after.
“For pregnant ewes, the result of being hounded by dogs can be miscarriage of unborn lambs and for ewes with young lambs at foot the result can be offspring getting separated from ewes and dying of hypothermia or starvation."
This united awareness follows a recent radio advertising campaign by Scottish Natural Heritage and the on-going Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) livestock worrying campaign.
'Nightmare'
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn urged people to ensure their dogs were kept secure at home because in many cases the source of the problem is dogs which are unaccompanied and allowed to stray.
“The Scottish countryside is a great place for people to enjoy with their dogs but, by failing to think and take simple steps, dog-owners run the risk of a carefree walk turning into a nightmare.
“It can be hard for people to believe that their loyal, loving pet can change so dramatically when they start to chase sheep. The message is clear – don’t risk it.
“Be sheep-wise and keep your dogs under control in the countryside.”
