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National Rural Crime Update

LIVESTOCK ATTACK - TAIN

 

On 6th November police were called to a report of a dog attack on sheep within a field on a farm in the Tain area. Three large dogs had been running loose within the field and had attacked and killed three pregnant ewes. 

Local officers attended and following enquiry the dog owners were traced. During the enquiries it emerged that the same dogs had attacked and killed two sheep on a previous occasion on 29th October at the same farm.

Both dog owners were charged under Dog (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The local dog warden will also be issuing dog control notices to both owners.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 5 Nov 2021, following a successful Members Bill brought by Emma Harper, MSP, supported by SPARC (Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime), NFU Scotland and livestock owners after continued attacks on farm animals by out-of-control dogs. 

Under this legislation, camelids such as llamas and alpacas, together with ostriches, game birds and farmed deer are now protected plus the inclusion of the word “attack” is welcomed as this clearly reflects the more serious aspect of such an incident.  The law also includes provision to fine the owners of dogs that attack livestock up to £40,000 or even send them to prison. 

 

National Access Forum Advice to dog owners

  • Do not allow your dog to approach animals or people uninvited (in open country, it may not be obvious when animals are around).
  • Where possible avoid animals - release your dog if threatened.
  • Always keep your dog in sight and under control – if in doubt use a lead.

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    National Access Forum Advice to land managers

  • Consider public access and assess relevant risks.
  • If necessary, use helpful signs to highlight issues to users, removing them when not required.
  • Suggest reasonable alternative routes if needed.

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    Lynn NRCU
    (Police Scotland, Rural, Acquisitve & Buisness Preventions Team (RAB-PT), M Div - National Rural and Acquisitive Crime Unit)
    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials