A range of signs to deter people from walking their dogs in fields with livestock is being made available to farmers and crofters throughout Scotland thanks to NFU Scotland (NFUS).
The signs, which can be re-used, are designed to be put up on fence posts beside gates at the entrance of fields – ideally those located near places where dog walkers frequently go.
Farmers are required to put a start and end-date to indicate when animals will be in the field, so that dog walkers will not enter, and a contact number should dog walkers have any questions.
The benefits of the scheme were showcased at a farm on the outskirts of Aberdeen earlier this week, with support from Police Scotland.
Former NFUS regional chairman for the north-east Roddy Catto, who farms with his wife Angela at Hillhead of Muirton at Whitecairns, has put the signs up outside fields with ewes and lambs.
Mr Catto has previously suffered two incidents of livestock worrying on his farm, including an attack on New Year’s Day several years ago when he was required to shoot a Husky which had mauled several fat lambs.
He said the field was red with blood when he arrived and after failed attempts to get the dog to stop, he was forced to get his gun and shoot it.
“Walking into that field with the lambs being mutilated made me feel physically sick,” said Mr Catto.
He encouraged all farmers with livestock to take advantage of the free signage on offer from NFU Scotland and put it to use on their farms.
Mr Catto said all dog walkers should keep their pets on the lead at all times in the countryside and avoid entering any fields where the gates are shut.
Police Scotland’s local area commander for Aberdeenshire south, Chief Inspector Murray Main, said livestock worrying incidents were being under-reported.
He urged all farmers to alert police of attacks on livestock or instances of dogs entering fields with livestock – this can be done by contacting 101 or 999 if the event is happening at that time.
Ch. Insp. Main said: “The signs are a really good step forward. My concern is we are not getting a full and accurate picture of the amount of incidents that are occurring because people are perhaps hesitant to call us.”
NFUS regional manager for the north-east, Lorna Paterson, said signs were available from local union offices.