Rural and Environment

In the news: tackling livestock attacks

January 8, 2019 by johnfitzgerald No Comments | Category Farming

You might have seen in the news today that a five-month, multi-agency campaign to highlight the reality of livestock attacks and distress caused primarily by dogs was launched by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC).

The aim of the campaign – “Your Dog – Your Responsibility” is to ensure dog owners understand the distressing and emotive nature as well as emotional and financial impacts such incidents can have, not just on farmers but everyone having to deal with the aftermath. 

A Scottish Government Spokesperson said:

“Livestock worrying is a serious issue and we fully support all campaigns and efforts to encourage dog owners to act responsibly at all times. Sentencing in any given case is a matter for the independent court. 

“With that in mind we have commissioned new research into the impact of dog attack and predation by wildlife on farmed sheep, along with potential new ways to prevent this.

SPARC is made up of partners from across the rural community, including NFU Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, NFU Mutual, Forestry Commission and Police Scotland. 

This new campaign complements work being done by rural organisations to combat livestock worrying and the impact it can have on farmers and landowners.

The Scottish Government Spokesperson added:

“It is already an offence for a dog owner to allow their animal to worry livestock and local authorities have the power to issue dog control notices. We continue to support law enforcement agencies in using these powers.”

Tags: dog attacks, livestock, rural crime, sheep, SPARCS

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