Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has called on the Scottish Government to do more to tackle livestock worrying in the Scottish Parliament today.
Incidents of sheep worrying are at a seven year high across Scotland and in Tayside there have been 40 reported incidents since 2010 with 26 of these coming in the past two years.
At the start of February one of Scotland’s top sheep breeders was left reeling following a vicious attack on his Muthill based flock.
The Courier is currently running a successful campaign to raise awareness of livestock worrying and the devastating impact it has on rural Scotland.
Commenting Liz Smith MSP said:
“I was pleased to hear that the Scottish Government is taking the danger posed by livestock worrying seriously.
“Figures released today have shown that the number of reported instances is at a seven year high. In Tayside there has been a huge increase in the number of reported instances, with 26 recorded in the last two years, not including those that go unreported.
“Dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities whilst out in the countryside, and not just during lambing season. Pet owners should keep their animal on a lead whilst in fields with pregnant ewes or young lambs and farmers must contact the police and document evidence if they experience livestock worrying.”