Walkers who are not familiar with the countryside and have descended on the countryside during the coronavirus lockdown are thought to behind a rise in the number of dog attacks on livestock.
Ãļ§Ö±²¥ has long campaigned for a change in the law around livestock worrying and, therefore, it is encouraging to see progress being made in Scotland with the introduction of the Livestock Worrying - Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.
Police have warned the public it is an offence to ‘worry livestock’ and the farmer has the power to shoot or injure a dog to protect stock after two cow chasing incidents in the South West.
Two sheep have died, with 20 left seriously injured, in a dog attack on a sheep flock in Essex, prompting an NFU appeal to dog owners.
Using DNA to identify rogue dogs worrying sheep is being considered in a major crackdown to protect moorland flocks.
Dog attacks on farm animals have cost the UK agricultural sector £1.2 million, according to a report by NFU Mutual.