FEARS HAVE been raised that out-of-control dogs could cause devastation in the countryside when lockdown restrictions on meeting outdoors ease from this weekend.

A warning has been issued to dog owners to keep dogs on a leash around livestock with increased footfall expected on farms and crofts across the country.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced earlier this week, that from Friday (March 12) four Scots from two households can meet outdoors for recreation and social purposes – in addition to exercise.

Concerns have been raised that individuals are likely to flock to rural areas to meet up with friends right bang in the middle of lambing, with potentially loose dogs causing harm to new-born lambs and pregnant ewes.

One farming couple from Aberdeenshire described the devastation a Border Terrier had on their small flock of Texels as a reminder to irresponsible dog owners.

“There was so much damage,” said Alison, “I couldn’t believe a small dog could have caused such awful injuries. It was like a massacre.

“Eight of our sheep had bites to their faces, some were laid out flat on the ground. Another had a more significant bite and had a gaping hole in its face. It was so upsetting. We had to get the vet immediately.”

Following a course of expensive treatment, the sheep with the most severe injury had to be put down. “She couldn’t be saved, she was left with a huge hole in her face, and her injuries were too extensive. Because we only have 22 sheep she was like a pet, always coming up to us looking for attention. It’s been heart-breaking.”

NFU Scotland’s North-east regional manager, Lorna Paterson, commented: “Such incidents not only cause obvious suffering to sheep and cattle, but they also have a financial, emotional and time impact on our members and their families and cause significant upset.

“Our farmers put hard labour into nurturing their sheep and cattle, taking real pride in their work. These attacks by dogs are not inevitable and are down to the irresponsible behaviour of their owners.

“We desperately want people to visit and enjoy spending time in our rural countryside, but we do ask that they remember that all farms are working environments and must be respected by everyone accessing them.

“Please don’t underestimate your dog’s behaviour and remember that sometimes chasing sheep or cattle is seen as a type of game by many dogs. However, all too often, it can turn into a nightmare for livestock, the farmer as well as yourself and your dog.”

North-east Division crime reduction officer, Constable Mike Urquhart, added: “Scotland’s outdoors is a great place for dogs and their owners but please remember the outdoors is a place of work for many and not just for recreation. You only have the right to be on most land if you act responsibly.

“There is a real need to educate the public and inform dog owners about the risks all dogs can pose to sheep especially in springtime when ewes are heavily pregnant.

“Farmers can legitimately shoot any dog that is worrying livestock as well as owners having destruction orders placed on dogs by the Courts.”

Police Scotland is asking farmers and landowners to engage with dog walkers and to put signs up on gateways and on key roads and paths alerting them to the presence of sheep and lambs and report all incidents of livestock worrying to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.