Crofters and farmers in plea for dogs to be kept under control this Easter

Dog owners are being asked to keep their pet on a lead near livestock this Easter to help prevent attacks on sheep and lambs.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual said more people were now aware that new laws mean that they can be fined up to £40,000 if their animal attacks livestock.

It added that 32 per cent of dog owners also understood they could be imprisoned for allowing their pet to attack farm animals, compared to 22 per cent this time last year.

With lambing season under way, Scotland’s farmers and crofters remain concerned about out-of-control dogs chasing, attacking and fatally injuring vulnerable sheep and lambs this Easter.

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual Scotland manager, said: “The Easter holidays see many people exploring Scotland’s beautiful countryside, but they must remember these idyllic rural destinations are key to farmers’ and crofters’ livelihoods and are home to thousands of sheep and new-born lambs.

“This year’s lambing season is under way across Scotland, so it is crucial all dog owners act responsibly by keeping their dog on a lead in areas where livestock are nearby, especially near vulnerable sheep and lambs."

People are asked to keep their dog on a lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept but let go of the lead if chased by cattle.

NFU Mutual says that even small dogs can cause the distress, injury and death of farm animals.

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