Perthshire MSP hits out at irresponsible dog owners after 16 lambs killed on Fife farm
People are being urged to keep their pet on a leash when near livestock
Last updated 4th Apr 2023
Dog walkers are being reminded to keep their pet on a leash when around livestock after a grim attack on more than a dozen lambs on a Kelty farm.
It is believed sixteen were killed.
Perthshire MSP, Jim Fairlie, shared the news in an angry Tweet.
Mr Fairlie blasted certain dog owners saying "16 dead lambs and likely more in the days to come!
"Keep yur f**king dogs on a lead.
Fairlie, who said the farmer is his friend, also added "was away from them for 2 hours and came back to carnage.
"Never have I seen this before".
He also intends to invite police and a veterinary expert and is aiming to develop public awareness of this issue.
It follows a story of sheep farmer Grace Reid at Auchterarder who reported an incidence of sheep worrying in March.
It is a criminal offence to allow a dog to worry sheep, and this is a time of year when cases are typically higher.
NFU Mutual are leading calls to remind dog owners to keep their pet on a lead when out in the country side during lambing season.
Manager, Mark McBrearty, said: “This year’s lambing season is underway across Scotland, so it is crucial all dog owners act responsibly by keeping their dog on a lead in areas where livestock are nearby, especially near vulnerable sheep and lambs".
“Even dogs chasing sheep can have serious consequences.
"We’ve heard reports from farmers and crofters where sheep and lambs have drowned, suffocated, been run over or chased off cliff edges because of out-of-control dogs.
“Even if a dog does not make contact with a sheep, the distress and exhaustion from being chased can cause a pregnant ewe to miscarry or die.
"It can also separate young lambs from their mothers, which can lead them to become orphaned.
“If there is an attack, it is important people accept responsibility and report it, either to the police or a local farmer or crofter, so that the injured animals are not left suffering.”