Livestock worrying bill gathers support from Orkney politicians

Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur, has welcomed the progress of new legislation being taken forward at Holyrood, aiming to tackle increasing instances of attacks on livestock.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, which intends to strengthen powers for the investigation and enforcement of the offence of “livestock worrying,” was debated by MSPs last Thursday.

Commenting on the passage of the bill to stage two, Mr McArthur said: “Livestock worrying has been a serious problem for farmers and crofters across the Highlands and Islands over the years, including here in Orkney.

“Indeed, in its most recent survey a couple of years ago, NFU Scotland highlighted that 72 per cent of their members had experienced livestock worrying.

“These attacks can result in injuries and wider, long-term impacts on the health of livestock.

“In the most serious cases, it can even lead to the horrific killing of livestock, or animals having to be euthanised.

“For farmers and crofters, this can add stress and risks of financial losses.

“Unfortunately, current legislation is outdated when it comes to offering suitable protection for livestock, and there is certainly a need for stricter penalties to act as an effective deterrent to irresponsible dog owners.

“I’m therefore pleased that there is cross party agreement on the general principles of this bill, and it has proceeded to stage two for further debate. While amendments to the bill will be required at stage two in some areas to make it fit for purpose, this is a welcome step forward to providing greater clarity in the law, and hopefully a reduction in these instances taking place.”

Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has also backed plans to tackle the problem of livestock worrying.

Mr Halcro Johnston, whose family farms in Orkney, gave his support in a debate on the proposed Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Bill, opening for the Scottish Conservatives.

He said: “Livestock worrying remains a constant problem faced by farmers, and the wider agricultural sector.

“While the bill mentions dogs in the title, it’s really about increasing the awareness of dog-owners, and ensuring they take responsibility for the actions of their pets.”

The MSP, who is shadow cabinet secretary for the rural economy, said that there is a case for stiffer penalties for owners who acted irresponsibly.

Speaking later, he said: “Many livestock farmers, particularly those with sheep, will be only too aware of the distressing outcome of the worst of these attacks.

“While the vast majority of dog-owners take care and act extremely responsibly, too often owners have been quite content to try to evade responsibility for what has occurred.

“In some cases, that has left farm animals injured and without any form of treatment. That is simply unacceptable.

“We really need to get the message out there that the owners are responsible for their pets, and should expect there to be serious consequences if they allow them to run out of control.

“Dog ownership brings responsibility and that includes ensuring that they are under control when in the presence of livestock.”