Police Scotland Advice: Dogs and Livestock Safety

Written By ANDREW MACNAUGHTON

As we enjoy the sunshine and spend more time outdoors with our dogs, it’s important to remember the serious impact that livestock attacks and “worrying” can have on farmers and animals.

Livestock worrying includes dogs chasing, attacking, or disturbing farm animals — even if no physical contact takes place. Livestock can include sheep, cattle, goats, horses, alpacas, poultry, and other farmed animals.

Even well-behaved dogs can cause significant stress to livestock. Pregnant animals may miscarry, lambs can become separated from their mothers, and animals may injure themselves while trying to escape. These incidents can also result in substantial financial and emotional costs for farmers.

Dog owners are reminded that:

  • Dogs should always be kept under close control near livestock

  • Dogs should be kept on a lead around farm animals

  • Dogs must never be left unsupervised in rural areas

  • Farmers are legally allowed to shoot a dog if it is attacking or worrying livestock

If your dog attacks or disturbs livestock:

  • Recall your dog immediately and put it on a lead

  • Inform the landowner as soon as possible

  • Report the incident to Police Scotland

  • If livestock are in immediate danger and you cannot control your dog, call 999

If you discover injured or dead livestock:

  • Contact the landowner

  • Record the location (using What3Words or a map reference if possible)

  • Take photographs and note the time

  • Report the incident to Police Scotland

Further information and reporting options are available on the Police Scotland website:
https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice/livestock-attacks-and-worrying/

By acting responsibly, we can help protect animals, support rural communities, and ensure everyone can enjoy the countryside safely.

ANDREW MACNAUGHTON
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