EMMA HARPER, MSP for the South-west of Scotland, is leading the way in the Scottish Parliament on the issue of sheep worrying and is demanding responsible dog ownership and a review of the current legislation.

Meeting recently with The Scottish Farmer, Mrs Harper agreed to submit a motion to the Scottish Parliament to call for support for our campaign #TakeALead.

“First things first, we need to look at changing the wording of ‘sheep worrying’ – it doesn’t deliver the severity of the impact dogs can have on livestock," said Ms Harper. “With most dogs, their instinct is to kill, if we look closely at their heritage, they are linked to wolves and the public needs to remember that.

“We want people to access the countryside, it is all part of the Governments active strategy, but they must do so responsibly. We have entered into lambing season and although no one likes to see images of mutilated sheep and lambs, there is a time and a place for this, and I believe that if it is necessary to hit home the message of responsible dog ownership, then these images must be shared.

“Last year one farmer I spoke to from Carruthers had nine of their sheep killed by a sheep worrying incident but were too devastated to go on record. The emotional impact these incidents are having on farmers is harrowing, everyone can connect with mental tragedy and I hope the public will hear of some of these cases and realise the severity of the situation,” concluded Mrs Harper.

Last year Emma and her rescue collie Maya won Holyrood Dog of the Year and have been asked to host this year’s event on April 30, which will see 11 dogs entered by various politicians. Sponsored by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, the event raises awareness of illegal puppy trafficking, responsible dog ownership and issues regarding animal welfare. Emma hopes this year to use the event to continue to raise awareness of sheep worrying and encourage responsible dog ownership around livestock. The event will be held at Holyrood and will be attended by all the major political parties, a strong platform to deliver the message of responsible dog ownership.