Sheep worrying
Sheep Worrying And Advice For Dog Owners
With lambing season approaching, the following advice is particularly important but it applies all year round:-
Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control at all times and dogs should be kept on a close lead when anywhere near livestock. It is particularly important at lambing time for owners to keep dogs well away from sheep because even just the sight of a dog in the distance can be enough to panic sheep and scare them away from their lambs.
It is a criminal offence for dogs to be allowed to attack or chase livestock. It is also an offence for dogs to be at large (i.e. not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field in which there are sheep. Dog owners can be prosecuted and fined up to £1000. Dog owners can also be held financially liable for damages done by a dog.
Please enjoy the beautiful countryside of Argyll & Bute responsibly. If you wish to learn more about responsible access to the countryside, visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
Farmers and Land Owners
If you are concerned about dog walkers entering on to your land with their dogs and possibly attacking or distressing your Livestock, awareness/warning signs are available from Lochgilphead Police Station. To obtain signs, please contact PC Ben Rusden at Lochgilphead via 101 or email him at Benjamin.Rusden@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Regards
Sergeant Iain MacNicol
Police Scotland
Lochnell Street
Lochgilphead
PA31 8JJ
Telephone = 101
Website = www.scotland.police.uk
Twitter = @MAKIPolice
Facebook = www.facebook.com/ArgyllWestDunbartonshirePoliceDivision