Sheep worrying incidents in the Highlands spark condemnation from Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes; she brands such dog owners as 'selfish' after Police Scotland confirmed the latest incident near Aviemore
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DOG owners have been urged to act more responsibly near livestock after police reported incidents of sheep worrying.
Kate Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said anyone who kept their dog off its lead while near livestock was "thoughtless, selfish and foolish".
He comments came after Police Scotland reported a recent incident near the Speyside Way in Kincraig.
It also came as statistic from the Crown Office showed that incidents of dogs attacking livestock had shot up by more than 40 per cent between 2008 and 2018.
There were 28 recorded instances at Highland farms in 2018.
Ms Forbes said: “Sheep worrying is an issue that affects farmers and crofters in my constituency. Most dog walkers are careful and caring – but sadly not all appear to be, based on the number of attacks in the Highlands – including this latest incident at Kincraig.
“The consequences of an off lead dog in a field of livestock can be devastating and traumatic for both the farmer and their animals.
“These attacks affect farmers financially and emotionally when farming is tough enough. It is thoughtless, selfish and foolish not to put a lead on a dog when near livestock.
“Anyone who witnesses such a crime should report it to police on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.”
