SCOTTISH politicians have backed calls for further measures to crackdown on livestock worrying.
Kate Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber have thrown their support behind fresh efforts to counter the problem.
It followed the launch of an online public consultation by Emma Harper at Holyrood, working towards a Bill that would introduce tougher laws protecting against sheep worrying.
This is a very welcome initiative from @EmmaHarperMSP https://t.co/mxRwJNkoRL
— Ian Blackford (@IanBlackfordMP) February 21, 2019
Forbes said: “The frequency of sheep worrying in the Highlands is frankly shameful.
“Dog owners should know that their dogs need to be on a lead near livestock and yet, despite that, we’ve had case after case of sheep worrying.
“The emotional trauma of watching animals suffer is one thing, but the financial costs are significant too.
“I am fully supportive of my colleague Emma Harper’s efforts to crack down on sheep worrying and it’s good to see my fellow SNP MSP standing up for rural interests."
The consultation’s launch event included representatives from the National Farmers Union of Scotland, the National Sheep Association, Scottish SPCA and Law Society of Scotland.
The frequency of attacks on livestock has increased by more than 40% over the past decade in the Highlands according to figures from the Crown Office.
Harper said the figure could not be ignored, adding: “Most dog walkers are careful and caring – but sadly not all appear to be, based on the spate of attacks.
“The consequences of an off-lead dog in a field of livestock can be devastating and traumatic for both the farmer and their animals.
“My proposals seek to toughen the law so that more dog owners are deterred from letting their dog off a lead in the countryside by introducing a range of tougher penalties, as well as improved investigation powers.”
Local authorities in Scotland already have the power to issue dog control notices if a dog owner allows their dog to worry livestock.
Harper, speaking after her announcement, said: “I would like to thank all of the organisations and members of the public – as well as colleagues from across chamber, such as from Kate Forbes MSP – involved in supporting my proposals to date and I would encourage everyone to have their say."
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