Livestock
Always leave gates as you find them – open or closed.
Keep your dog on a lead
Please keep your dog on a lead at all times. When in the countryside, be wary of your dog approaching other animals. Remember, in the countryside, it may not always be obvious when animals are around.
If your dog worries livestock it could be shot, you could be fined up to £40,000 and/or receive a prison sentence.
What is “worrying” and what does it do:
- Worrying is a dog a dog chasing livestock in a manner that could cause injury or suffering.
- The stress caused to the animal by the presence of the dog, could cause abortion or miscarriage.
- Livestock become desperate in their attempts to escape, and thereby injure themselves or die as a result of a fall (or running over a cliff edge).
- The chasing of ewes or lambs, causes them to become separated and the lambs later dying of starvation or hypothermia.
If you witness worrying and it is still in progress dial 999 (emergency), otherwise please call 101 (police notification).
Sheep
In the Scottish Highlands it is usual for sheep to wander freely across common grazing land – crossing roads – and often lying on them.
Please take care when driving. Most sheep have good road sense, but some will take their time before moving out of your path.
When walking, always keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing sheep. And keep your dog on a lead at all times.
Cattle
Always keep a respectful distance from cattle.
Sometimes you’ll find them on our roads; give them a wide berth! Keep dogs and children out of their way.
“Baffled, our foes stand by the shore”