Warning that dogs will be shot as sheep worrying rises in East Dunbartonshire countryside

The past week in particular has seen a surge in the number of attacks on livestock in fields at Lennoxtown, causing concern for local farmers.

In one of a number of incidents, a dog chased a sheep from the hills onto Crow Road. Although the owner caught his pet before any physical attack, the ewe who was pregnant, was very distressed and at risk of losing her lamb.

A warning has now gone out by animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA that pets risk being shot by farmers, if they are worried for the safety of livestock.

Last month, a Scots farmer shot and killed a family’s one-year-old Spaniel after it entered a sheep field in Fife.

Under Scots law, farmers are allowed to shoot dogs on their land if they are concerned the animals may attack or leave their livestock distressed.

After the “stay local” message from the Scottish Government ended last Friday, meaning people can travel anywhere within Scotland for outdoor socialising, recreation and exercise, local farmers are concerned the problem will just get worse.

A spokesperson for the National Sheep Association Scottish Region told the Herald: “There has definitely been a rise in incidents of sheep worrying. It has become a real issue.

"More people are working from home, have bought dogs during lockdown but sometimes the commitment to train the dog and make sure it behaves responsibly just isn’t there. They must respect our countryside."

She added: “Just because a dog doesn’t physically attack a sheep, they are still doing unknown damage. You might not know for a week later that the sheep has lost a lamb.”

The Herald reported in February how walker Eugene McCarthy came across a badly injured sheep at Mugdock Park in East Dunbartonshire, almost certainly the victim of a dog attack.

The pregnant ewe’s throat was torn and bleeding heavily. Eugene stayed with the suffering animal after calling for help. But sadly the sheep, which belonged to a nearby farm, died from its injuries.