New legislation is now in place across Scotland that increases the penalties for those found guilty of livestock worrying and includes a fine of up to £40,000 or 12 months imprisonment.
The legislation now covers a wider range of animals including camelids and ostriches.
Most livestock attacks involve people allowing their dog to be off the lead in a field with livestock without consideration to the consequences.
Even the most well trained dog can revert to basic instinct of chase. This stress alone can cause pregnant sheep to abort their young, even if the dog makes no physical contact with the sheep.
Help your community and don’t allow your dog to approach animals or people uninvited and where possible avoid anywhere there is livestock. Always keep your dog in sight and under proper control, ideally using a lead.