Dog owners are being urged to make sure their pets are under control when they’re in the countryside.
Lambing season is well under way across the region, with police asking dog owners to take extra care when they’re near sheep.
Sergeant Colin Scott from Castle Douglas said: “Livestock attacks and worrying is the phrase used when a dog attacks or worries livestock animals in rural and farmland areas.
“This crime usually takes place in the countryside and is a particular problem when dogs, even those that are well trained, are off their leads or are roaming without an owner or person in charge with them.
“Whilst many owners are unaware of the impact their dogs are having on livestock, it is their responsibility to ensure attacks and worrying don’t happen.”
Examples of livestock worrying include dogs chasing animals in a way that could cause injury, the stress caused by the presence of dogs leading to abortion or miscarriage and also livestock trying to escape, injuring themselves in the process.
And dogs who chase ewes or lambs may cause them to separate, which could lead to lambs later dying of starvation or hypothermia.
New legislation was introduced in 2021, which extended the definition of livestock to include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, llamas, ostriches, deer and game birds or poultry.
It also introduced harsh penalties for the owners of dogs which attack or worry livestock – including fines of up to £40,000 or a prison sentence lasting up to 12 months.
Sergeant Scott added: “When in the countryside, be wary of your dog approaching other animals. Try to stop your dog coming into contact with livestock. Remember, in the countryside, it may not always be obvious when animals are around.
“If you’re in an area where livestock are nearby, always keep your dog in your sights and maintain control over them. If you can’t guarantee this, use a lead.
To report incidents that are ongoing call 999, or later call 101.
