A campaign highlighting new legislation to protect livestock is launched.
Sadly, dog attacks upon livestock and wildlife have become increasingly frequent in the Pentland Hills and throughout Scotland.
The issue is upsetting for all concerned as the animal attacked is often badly injured. Even where no visible injury has occurred, the trauma of being chased can have severe health implications for the animal, especially when pregnant. In turn, vet bills can be considerable as can the mental health cost to the farmer of repeated offences.
The issue is also simply prevented: dogs should be placed on a lead or at least under close control when in the countryside.
An awareness campaign was launched by Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) on January 11th 2022. To mark the launch, an event was attended by SPARC members in the Pentland Hills Regional Park - a popular destination for dog walking.
The PLMA, Police Scotland, NFU Scotland, and other rural organisations have collaborated to highlight new legislation protecting livestock from dog attacks.
A new Bill
The new Bill (Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Scotland) Act 2021) aims to further protect animals from dog attacks. It introduces a range of measures including:
- updating the livestock definition (to include species such as game birds)
- fines up to £40,000
- potential prison sentences for owners who let their pets worry, kill, or injure farm animals.
PLMA interviews
PLMA members Becci Barr and Kerry Clark kindly offered to be spokespeople at the event. Both were interviewed for BBC News and for BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime.
Listen to the interview on BBC Sounds here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001390t (Listen from 17.55)
BBC news 11th January