With Easter set to see a rise in guests to the countryside, National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Mutual is reminding canine homeowners in Scotland to be additional vigilant at a time when sheep and lambs are at their most vulnerable.

The warning comes as Scottish cattle value an estimated £123,000 have been severely injured or killed in Scotland final yr (2023), greater than double the 2022 cost, latest figures from NFU Mutual reveal.

Across the UK, the estimated cost of livestock worrying soared by almost 30% to £2.4 million final yr.

NFU Mutual’s recent survey of over 1,100 canine homeowners discovered extra individuals have been letting their dogs off leads within the countryside final yr than in 2022, 68% and 64% respectively.

Almost eight % admitted their canine chases livestock, however 46% believed their canine was not able to inflicting the loss of life or harm of cattle.

NFU Mutual

Manager for Scotland at NFU Mutual, Martin Malone, mentioned: “The Easter holidays is a superb alternative to discover Scotland’s countryside, however individuals should keep in mind these idyllic rural locations are working environments, key to farmers’ livelihoods and home to tens of millions of sheep and new-born lambs.

“This year’s lambing season is well underway across Scotland, and farmers and crofters are understandably worried that an influx of out of control dogs this Easter could cause unnecessary carnage to newborn lambs out in the fields with their mothers for the first time.”

NFU Scotland coverage advisor for rural business, Rhianna Montgomery highlighted the truth that it’s now lambing season, that means it’s a very vulnerable time for livestock, and to “avoid livestock where possible, if you come across sheep with or without lambs, ensure your dog is on a lead as this is where you have the most control”.

Inspector Jordan Low of Police Scotland mentioned that: “Livestock worrying is a crime. It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is on a lead and under control when livestock is present. Failure to do so can result in a £40,000 fine or a 12-month prison sentence.”

Advice for canine homeowners:

  • Keep dogs on a lead when walking in rural areas the place livestock are stored;
  • Be conscious that each one dogs, no matter measurement, breed, and temperament, may cause the misery, harm and loss of life of cattle;
  • Report assaults by dogs to the police or native farmers;
  • Never let dogs unfastened unsupervised in gardens close to livestock fields – many assaults are attributable to dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing close by.