A PLEA has been issued to dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead this lambing season, after research revealed that 64% of owners are letting their dogs roam free in the countryside.

A survey by NFU Mutual found that of those 64% of dog owners letting their pets off the lead, half of them admitted their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

Despite a successful joint campaign to tackle livestock attacks by dogs – which has seen attacks decrease by 13% in 2020 – horrific incidents have continued and increased footfall in the countryside has sparked concerns in the lead up to lambing season.

NFU Mutual found that 42% of dog owners have been walking their pets more often in the countryside during the pandemic and is urging people to take extra care around livestock and to keep their dogs under control.

“With more people walking in the countryside as Covid restrictions continue and an increase in dog ownership, we have seen many more brutal attacks resulting in large numbers of sheep being killed and a trail of horrific injuries,” said NFU Mutual regional manager for Scotland, Mark McBrearty.

“It’s a critical time in the farming calendar and there is widespread concern as we enter the peak lambing season, that there will be a surge in new visitors who are simply unaware of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code or how their dog will behave around farm animals.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside as it’s so important for people’s wellbeing. It’s vital that dog owners act responsibly and keep dogs on a lead and under control whenever there is a possibility livestock are nearby,” he stressed.

The survey also flagged up that only 40% of the dog owners surveyed by NFU Mutual accepted that their pet could cause the injury or death of a farm animal.

A farmer from Auchterarder and co-founder of the Ladies Who Lamb network, Des Roberts, expressed the anguish this is causing her members: “It feels like crisis point at the moment, with daily reports of terribly upsetting incidents where dogs chase and sometimes attack sheep close to lambing. The distress and frustration is something that doesn't go away, even flashbacks of the horrific injuries and deaths are very traumatic.

“It’s important that dog owners realise that all breeds, not just the big, fierce-looking ones, are capable of chasing and attacking sheep,” she continued. “Even if a dog doesn’t make physical contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause sheep to die or miscarry their lambs.

“We really send a plea to dog owners in the countryside that they keep dogs on leads for the next few months. Please follow signs, as they are there to protect you and your dog, and to make your walk safe for all.”

NFU Scotland’s Head of Policy Team, Gemma Cooper, added: “We continue to see the devastating impacts of dog attacks on livestock and this crime is completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, we know of a number of cases where farmers have been left with no choice but to shoot dogs that have worried livestock. Any dog, including the most placid family pet, can inflict horrific damage to animals such as sheep. Particularly during lambing season, dogs must not be taken into fields of young lambs,” she warned.

NFUS is urging MSP’s to support and strengthen the measures in the protection of livestock Bill which is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament. The union and NFU Mutual are also continuing to provide distinctive, bright yellow livestock worrying signage for members which can be accessed through their regional managers.