Rachael Hamilton MSP is urging dog owners to be careful with lambing season under way across the Borders countryside.
With the arrival of spring, dog walking is on the increase just as sheep are at their most vulnerable. At the same time, ground-nesting birds could lose a successful brood should they be disturbed.
Livestock worrying remains a significant issue in Scotland. The latest figures from the Scottish Government show that Police Scotland recorded 103 incidents of livestock worrying in Scotland between April and November 2021.
Dog owners could face up to a £40,000 fine or even be sent to prison - or both - for allowing their dog to worry or attack farmed animals, including alpacas and game birds.
Police Scotland and others are currently running a campaign to promote the message ‘Your Dog – Your Responsibility’, in a bid to stop dogs attacking livestock.
Mrs Hamilton is urging everyone to enjoy the countryside responsibly, by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, avoiding fields with livestock, following signs and keeping dogs on leads.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“I know I share the love of walking and exploring our beautiful Borders, with many of my constituents.
“However, with lambing and calving in full swing please avoid walking across fields unnecessarily.
“Do not take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals.
“Please obey signs that farmers will have put up to warn of fields where lambing is taking place.
“The countryside is still a working environment and we need to be mindful of that, at all times of the year”.
