Farmers urge public to keep dogs under-control this spring

Attacks on livestock on farmland are on the increase
Attacks on livestock on farmland are on the increase

Farmers have urged dog owners to be responsible and control their animals in the countryside when out and about this spring.

Marking the Spring Equinox – the first day of spring – the farming industry has called on the public to pick up after their pets and keep them on a lead around livestock.

With many lambs now in fields, farmers say it is 'imperative' that dogs are under the full control of their owners and attacks on sheep are avoided.

Attacks on livestock on farmland are still on the increase, as is the problem of dog fouling which can cause livestock to contract dangerous diseases.

The key messages are aimed at farmers and dog owners, they include to be informed about the Outdoor Access Code, to plan ahead and know walking routes, to control pets at all times and to pick up dog mess.

In early December, NFU Scotland surveyed farmers about the issues they have with irresponsible access, either through livestock worrying by dogs, or the impacts of owners failing to pick up after their pets on or near farmland.

The survey had more than 340 responses, which showed that 72 per cent of respondents had an issue with livestock worrying on their land.

100 per cent of survey respondents said they have an issue with dog fouling on their land – this included plastic bag pollution as well as instances where livestock have contracted diseases from eating dog poo and plastic bags.

84 per cent of responses felt the outdoor access code requiring ‘on a lead or under close control’ didn’t provide sufficient protection to them or their livestock.

Andrew McCornick, NFU Scotland President said: “Attacks on livestock happen all too often and we are really pleading with the public to keep their dogs on a lead, avoid fields with livestock if possible and be responsible when walking on farmland.

“The industry can no longer tolerate the problem of dog owners who do not control their dogs on farmland.”

He added: “Many people underestimate the damage dogs can do to livestock – whether that is attacking them when being off a lead or causing them to contract dangerous diseases through their poo – we need dog owners to take responsibility for controlling their dogs whilst out enjoying the countryside.

“You think your dog is ‘just playing’ with the sheep but that could change in an instant and you will have no way to stop the dog when it starts to attack,” Mr McCornick said.