Police Scotland warn about livestock attacks and worrying

Police Scotland, National Rural & Acquisitive Crime Unit (NRACU) have issued a warning about the impacts of Livestock attacks and worrying.

Livestock attacks and worrying is the phrase used when a dog attacks or worries livestock animals in rural and farmland areas.

This crime usually takes place in the countryside and is a particular problem when dogs, even those that are well trained, are off their leads or are roaming without an owner or person in charge with them. In doing so, they often scare or attack livestock animals.

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. They should ensure their dog doesn't disturb or attack these animals, otherwise there are consequences under the law if it does occur.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 5 November 2021 to tackle the issue of out of controls dogs attacking and worrying livestock. Under this law, the term "livestock" is wide ranging and includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine (pigs/boars), horses, camelids (alpacas/lamas), ostriches, farmed deer, enclosed game birds or poultry.

Under this new law, owners of dogs that attack or worry livestock can be fined up to £40,000 or even sent to prison for up to 12 months.

Inspector Jordan Low of Police Scotland said:

“Protecting livestock is an important issue and a priority for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) membership. Livestock worrying and attacks can result in injury, miscarriage and even death. The damage and distress caused not just to the animals, but the farming business is considerable.

“It is also 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 fine up to £40,000 or a 12-month prison sentence. Police Scotland through SPARC is committed to working with its partners to increase public awareness of the legislation to protect livestock from dog attacks and irresponsible dog owners will be prosecuted.”

Some examples of livestock worrying include:

• a dog chasing livestock in a manner that could cause injury or suffering,
• the stress caused to the animal by the presence of the dog, could, in the case of female livestock, cause abortion or miscarriage,
• livestock becoming desperate in their attempts to escape and injure themselves in doing so,
• dogs who chase ewes or lambs may cause them to separate from their mothers, later dying of starvation or hyperthermia.

Police Scotland chair SPARC, which comprises of of over 20 rural organisations including NFU Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish Crofting Federation and NFU Mutual, who work together to proactively prevent, reduce and tackle rural crime. It also works to raise awareness of rural crimes and ensure the public is informed in what they can do to help.

Dog owners

It's important for dog owners to be aware that livestock are valuable assets and any harm to them could significantly affect the livestock owners livelihood.

There's a number of things owners can do to reduce the chances of their dog committing a livestock attack or worrying crime.

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, land owners can shoot your dog if it is attacking or causing distress to their animals.

Land managers

There's a number of things you can do to minimise the threat of your livestock becoming a victim of worrying and attacks.

Appropriate signage can make walkers in the area aware of their responsibilities and can suggest alternative routes if you're worried of an attack or worrying.

You'll also need to think about public access near your land and any risks that this can cause to your animals.

To report livestock attacks and worrying call 999 if the crime is ongoing and animals are being injured. To report a crime which isn't ongoing call 101 or submit an online ‘Contact Us’ form.

You can find out more about SPARC on their Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.