Wishart convenes local roundtable on livestock and dog worrying
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart, ahead of lambing and calving season, convened a meeting of local stakeholders on Monday (16th February) to discuss the best way to tackle irresponsible dog behaviour on livestock and address other issues around wildlife and nature as a consequence of the poor use of outdoor access rights. Behaviour in the marine environment was also highlighted.
Pregnant and young farm animals are particularly vulnerable to attacks and worrying by dogs, while dog fouling can also cause disease problems in livestock. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code says that dogs should never be taken into fields where there are lambs, calves and other young farm animals. Discussions at the roundtable also highlighted the threat to ground nesting birds and otters that irresponsible behaviour and dogs off their leads can pose. Simple actions all year round to protect wildlife and livestock include:
- When going into a field with farm animals, dogs should be kept on a short lead or close at heel
- If you need to open a gate, always close it again behind you
- Respect notices and guidance
Owners should be mindful that all dogs, regardless of size, breed, and temperament, can cause the distress, injury and death of farm animals and report attacks by dogs to the police or local farmers. Owners of dogs that attack or worry livestock can be fined up to £40,000 or even sent to prison for up to 12 months.
Local organisations represented were Shetland Islands Council, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, National Farmers Union Scotland, VisitScotland and Police Scotland. Attendees agreed to look at additional ways to share messages locally and to visitors to the isles.
After the meeting Ms Wishart said:
“This was a productive meeting with ideas on how we can all play our part in spreading the message of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Rights of access come with responsible behaviour.
“By not disturbing breeding birds that nest on the ground we can continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of iconic species like skylarks, curlews and lapwing.
“Even if you don’t expect your dog to cause a problem, it is still vital to follow advice and keep your dog under control, or better still, on a lead at all times.
“Crofters and farmers across Scotland incur large costs each year from the impact on livestock being chased, or just from being in the same field. Pregnant ewes can have miscarriages and lambs can get separated from their mothers. For crofters and farmers there is a financial toll as well as the emotional impact of seeing their animals injured or worse.
“Lambing and calving season is a particularly busy and important time for farmers and crofters. Acting responsibly while dog walking allows farmers and crofters to go about their business without extra stress and allows everyone to enjoy the countryside.”
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code guidance on dog walking can be found here: Dog walking | Scottish Outdoor Access Code (outdooraccess-scotland.scot)
According to NFU Mutual, farm animals valued at £1.95 million were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2025, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/nfu-mutual-livestock-worrying-statistics/#:~:text=New%20figures%20from%20NFU%20Mutual,South%20East%20(%C2%A3330%2C000)
Livestock worrying: Police Scotland
