Plea to protect sheep as more owners let dogs run free

WITH peak lambing season under way on Scotland’s farms and crofts, NFU Mutual is calling for dog owners to ensure their pets are under control at all times when livestock are nearby.

Newly-released NFU Mutual research has found almost three quarters of dog owners (73 per cent) now allow their pets to roam off-lead in the countryside – up from (64 per cent) a year ago. This is despite around half (49 per cent) saying their dog does not always come back when called.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force in November 2021 to bring in tougher powers, following years of campaigning by police and farmers after sharp increases in attacks on farm animals by out-of-control dogs.