Worrying campaign launched by police

LIVESTOCK worrying is once again the focus of a campaign by Police Scotland, timed to coincide with an anticipated rise in attacks by dogs during November.

The month-long campaign was launched on Tuesday in a bid to raise awareness among dog owners about the devastating effects of livestock worrying, just as animals are taken off the hill to inbye fields ahead of winter.

The Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime – a multi-agency group including Police Scotland, National Farmers’ Union of Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates – is working with Scottish Natural Heritage to promote responsible dog walking in the countryside.

Inspector Jane Donaldson, Police Scotland rural crime co-ordinator, said: ‘Rural dog owners and those who choose to exercise their dogs in the countryside must ensure they are under control at all times and avoid going into fields where livestock is grazing.

‘Police Scotland will robustly enforce the existing legislation, ensuring all reported cases of livestock being attacked by dogs are thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the procurator fiscal.’

Farmers and those who use the countryside are urged to report all incidents of livestock worrying to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Gemma Cooper, NFUS policy manager, added: ‘Instances of dog worrying are never acceptable. They cause our farmers personal heartache, and often substantial and ongoing financial loss.

‘In addition, we would urge local authorities to use dog control notices more frequently, as this option can be very effective, but is currently quite under-utilised as a method of dealing with this problem.’