Dumfries and Galloway dog owners advised to make sure throughout lambing season

Dog owners are being advised to make certain their animals are under control when they’re in the countryside.

Lambing season is well under method throughout the area, with cops asking dog owners to take additional care when they’re near sheep.

Sergeant Colin Scott from Castle Douglas said: “Livestock attacks and fretting is the expression utilized when a dog attacks or concerns livestock animals in rural and farmland locations.

“This criminal offense normally occurs in the countryside and is a specific issue when dogs, even those that are well trained, are off their leads or are strolling without an owner or individual 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 animals fretting consist of dogs chasing after animals in such a way that might trigger injury, the tension triggered by the existence of dogs resulting in abortion or miscarriage and likewise animals attempting to leave, hurting themselves while doing so.

And dogs who go after ewes or lambs might trigger them to separate, which might cause lambs later on passing away of hunger or hypothermia.

New legislation was presented in 2021, which extended the meaning of animals to consist of livestock, sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, llamas, ostriches, deer and video game birds or poultry.

It likewise presented extreme charges for the owners of dogs which attack or stress animals – consisting of fines of approximately £40,000 or a jail sentence lasting approximately 12 months.

Sergeant Scott included: “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.

“It’s important to be aware that under certain circumstances, landowners can shoot your dog if it is attacking or causing distress to their animals.”

To report events that are continuous call 999, or later on call 101.