SLaE warns of Easter livestock attacks, urges dog caution

In new statistics obtained by Scottish Land & Estates, 350 incidents of attacks or worrying of livestock were recorded last year according to Police Scotland.

This was up from 290 incidents recorded in 2022 – an increase of over just 20%.

The rural business organisation released the data as it renewed its appeal for dog walkers and owners to take care around livestock in rural Scotland this Easter. SLaE said it was crucial to minimise the risk of dog attacks when the lambing and calving season was underway and with a spike in visitors to the countryside expected in the Easter period and following weeks.

This is the third lambing period since tougher legislation for livestock attacks under the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into full force. The penalties for such offences are very serious for the individual as owners could face up to a £40,000 fine or even be sent to prison for up to a year - or both. The dog is also highly likely to be destroyed.

READ MORE | Warning to be wary if you're out and about with your dog this Easter

Policy adviser (access and visitor management) at Scottish Land & Estates, Simon Ovenden, said: “The increase in attacks on livestock by dogs is a disturbing occurrence at a time when there have been increased awareness campaigns on this issue and penalties to deal with such incidents have never been tougher.

“A small proportion of this increase may be reflected by more incident reporting, but the statistics again clearly demonstrate that far too many people are behaving irresponsibly by failing to control their dogs and allowing them to attack or worry farmed animals, including camelids such as alpacas, and also game birds.

“Visitors, including dog owners and walkers, continue to be very much welcomed by communities and businesses in rural Scotland as spring gets underway. This has, however, proven to be the period when the risk of livestock worrying and attacks is at its greatest and there can be no complacency on the part of dog owners as to the risks posed in our countryside.

“Dog owners and walkers should not take a dog, even if on a lead, into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals as even mildly aggressive behaviour from a dog, such as pulling at its lead or barking, can severely stress a pregnant sheep causing it to miscarry or die.

“Such law breaking is not the dog’s fault, but that of the owner, and declaring that a dog has never acted in such a manner previously carries no weight when dealing with the aftermath of an attack on livestock. Dog walkers should enjoy rural Scotland but with care and caution practised at all times.”

Dog attacks on livestock in Scotland cost an estimated £123,000 in 2023, more than double than in 2022. A survey of over 1100 dog owners carried out by NFU Scotland in 2023 found that 64% were letting their animal off the lead in the countryside, an increase of 2% compared to 2022. Of greater concern was the admission that only 49% of owners stated their dog will return to them when called. Almost 8% admitted their animal chases livestock, but 46% shockingly believed their dog was not capable of causing injury or death to farm animals.

SLaE is one of the partners in a 2024 campaign with Police Scotland to promote the key message: ‘Your Dog – Your Responsibility’. SLaE said dog owners and land managers could continue to take steps to minimise the risk of livestock attacks or worrying from taking place.

If dog walkers come to a field with young animals in it, they should follow the guidance as reinforced by Police Scotland in their 2024 awareness campaign:

• Avoid fields with livestock to prevent animals from feeling threatened;

• Keep your dog in sight, on a lead and under close control;

• Choose an alternative route rather than through fields of lambs and young calves;

• Leave gates as you find them;

• Livestock can be dangerous. If you and your dog are chased, release your dog… the livestock are more likely to chase it than you and can almost certainly run faster than you.

Inspector Jordan Low of Police Scotland said: “Protecting livestock is an important issue and a priority for members of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). As we approach the Easter break, we want people to enjoy the countryside but to do so in a safe and responsible manner.

“Livestock worrying and attacks can result in injury, miscarriage and even death. The damage and distress caused not just to the animals, but to the farming business as well, is considerable.

“It is also a crime. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is on a lead and under control when livestock is present. Failure to do so can result in a £40,000 fine or a 12-month prison sentence.

“We have several tools at our disposal to investigate instances of livestock worrying and attacks and we will utilise these to investigate instances of irresponsible dog ownership around livestock.

“Police Scotland through SPARC is committed to working with its partners to increase public awareness of the legislation to protect livestock from dog attacks and irresponsible dog owners will be prosecuted.”

Farmers and land managers are encouraged by Scottish Land & Estates to display clear, simple information signs aimed at the public on gates and fences at certain times of year. Signage is available for free download from the SLE website or to be ordered for a nominal fee.

If a farmer or landowner has concerns regarding the behaviour of a visitor or their dog they are advised to:

• Try to offer advice in a friendly but direct way to avoid any situation escalating to an unfortunate level.

• Point out any restrictions in place and explain clearly why certain areas are off-limits or inadvisable to enter.

• Suggest an alternative route to walk where possible.

• Explain that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 legislation states that dog owners could be fined up to £40,000 and/or sent to prison for up to 12 months, even if their dog is on a lead and an attack has not happened but it is worrying the livestock.

• Walk away if feeling threatened or unsafe at any point.

• If an attack is taking place, call the police using 999 stating a crime is in progress, giving as much information as possible. Try to get photos or a video and descriptions of the dog, the person(s) with the animal, their vehicle if there is one, and the time of day.

• All of these points are compliant with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.