Ayrshire Police has issued a reminder to dog owners of the law around livestock worrying by dogs following a recent incident in Brodick.
The force said it is the responsibility of the dog owners to “ensure attacks and worrying don’t happen”.
In a statement yesterday (Sunday, August 27), Ayrshire Police said: “Following a recent incident in Brodick, police are reminding dog owners of the law around livestock.
“‘Worrying’ is the phrase used when a dog attacks or worries livestock in rural and farmland areas. This usually occurs in the countryside when dogs are off leads or roaming without an owner or person in charge of them.
“Whilst many owners are unaware of their dogs’ impact on livestock, it is their responsibility to ensure attacks and worrying don’t happen.”
Police Scotland Ayrshire said it is “committed” to tackling rural crime – particularly livestock attacks and worrying.
Livestock worrying
Police Scotland Ayrshire chairs the Ayrshire Partnership Against Rural Crime (APARC) with its multi-agency partners including the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFU Scotland), Scottish Land & Estates, Scottish Crofting Federation and NFU Mutual.
Earlier this month, the NFU reiterated and republished prevention advice and legal information regarding livestock worrying.
The union said livestock worrying remains a “serious cause for concern for many farmers” as it has a devastating impact on those affected.
As a result, the NFU compiled a “guide on action” for farmers to take if an incident occurs and steps to help prevent against the crime of livestock worrying.
The union’s insurance branch, NFU Mutual, published its rural crime report on Tuesday, August 1 which revealed that UK farm animals worth an estimated £1.8 million were killed or injured by dogs in 2022.
Rural business policy advisor at NFU Scotland, Rhianna Montgomery, said spring of this year saw a “constant stream of reports of cattle and sheep being attacked by dogs”.
