DESPITE promising signs that new legislation is helping to prevent attacks, farmers and crofters are concerned about out-of-control dogs injuring livestock as lambing season gets underway.

NFU Mutual’s latest survey of 1100 dog owners found that despite 64% of owners admitting their dogs chase other animals, almost half (46%) believed their dog was not capable of injuring, or killing livestock.

Many dog owners were 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 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force in November, 2021, following a successful Members Bill brought by Emma Harper, MSP, supported by Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, NFU Scotland and livestock owners after continued attacks on farm animals by out-of-control dogs.

NFU Mutual’s research found that 29% of dog owners in Scotland were now aware they could be fined up to £40,000 if their pet attacks livestock, a significant rise in awareness from 4% in early 2022; and 32% of dog owners understood they could be imprisoned for allowing their pet to attack farm animals, compared to 22% this time last year.

And four in 10 dog owners surveyed felt Police Scotland were now taking dog attacks on livestock more seriously. Initial estimates from the Police showed 262 cases were reported in 2022, down from 301 in 2021, while NFU Mutual’s estimated the cost of dog attacks on Scotland’s livestock fell by almost a third (31%) last year.

NFU Mutual Scotland manager, Mark McBrearty, 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’ve heard reports from farmers that dog walkers are becoming more distracted, often on their mobile phones with their pets out of sight, and seemingly unaware of the carnage their dog could cause.

“The Covid-19 pandemic saw a boom in dog ownership as many people purchased puppies for the first time, yet these may not have been trained properly or be familiar with farm animals.

“It is concerning that these now fully-grown dogs will be visiting farmland as we get into spring at a time when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable.

“Farmers and crofters near tourist areas are also living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific suffering to sheep and can traumatise their families as they deal with the aftermath.

“That is why 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.”

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.

“Alongside the public awareness campaign, we have focussed on awareness training for officers and staff receiving and investigating the reports. This approach helps us ensure that reports are recorded and dealt with appropriately, which is a positive step towards building public confidence that it is worthwhile reporting attacks on livestock."