The rural sector has united in its support for Emma Harper MSP, following her announcement to bring forward a consultation on a Members’ Bill to tackle livestock worrying.

Ms Harper has highlighted the necessity to review the outdoor access code and strengthen the wording around responsible access to the countryside, in order to address the surge in sheep worrying incidents which have taken place since the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

The Union have been working closely with the Scottish Farmer on the ‘Take A Lead’ campaign which has been shared widely on social media platforms and discussed by politicians from all the main parties in parliament. NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick welcomed Ms Harper’s announcement:

“Livestock worrying is an issue which is effecting farmers the length and breadth of Scotland and it is undeniable that there has been a serious increase in the number of incidents reported. We know that a huge number of instances go unreported, so the real scale of the issue is likely to be even greater than what is in the public domain.

“I am delighted that Emma Harper is taking a Members’ Bill to the Scottish Parliament and I look forward to working with her, to push through this badly needed legislative change. NUFS is leading the charge on this issue, as we recognise the cost to industry caused by uncontrolled dogs. The Union has spent a great deal of time on this problem, trying to educate both the public and its members, but it is clear that the time has now come for affirmative action.

“We want people to enjoy the countryside, but we do not want to sacrifice the livelihood of farmers and crofters just because a minority of dog walkers refuse to put their dogs on a lead.”

The Scottish Gamekeepers have pledged their support of a members’ bill and have reiterated the balance between encouraging the public to enjoy their right to roam whilst acting responsibly in doing so.

Alex Hogg, Chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association wrote to Ms Harper directly:

“Everyone acknowledges we have progressive Access Laws in Scotland but that is not to say there is no room for improvement.

“With the benefit of experience, we have seen the rise in dog attacks on sheep, which is extremely distressing for the shepherds. In our sector, we see the same with hill sheep and deer,” he continued.

“With declining wildlife always in the news, sensible options around dogs on leads need to be looked at. These places are there to be enjoyed but they are also working environments which are producing food and sustaining families. I think the sense of that has been lost over the years.

“I’d imagine changes could be made without restricting people’s access or enjoyment of our well managed countryside,” said Mr Hogg.

Last week, representatives from the Scottish Farmer and the NSA met with dog wardens from Scotland’s 32 local authorities in Alva, to discuss the issue of responsible dog ownership. We heard first-hand about the difficulties which can result from a lack of local funding and man power; inhibiting their ability to effectively monitor irresponsible dog owners and thus keep on top of the problem. The defining message from the meeting, was that even with legislative action at a national level, enforcement at a local level is key to ensuring the success of any future bill. More funding is needed to increase the work of bodies like dog wardens, to make sure they can effectively manage and monitor responsible dog ownership in their regions.