'THERE are no bad dogs ... just irresponsible dog owners'. That has been the most common statement we've heard regarding the increase in sheep worrying incidents throughout the country.

It's probably the truest reflection, too, of the root cause of the problem and some of the pictures of the devastation rogue dogs have caused are hard to erase from the cerebral etching that they leave.

That's why we have launched our campaign 'Take a Lead in responsible dog ownership' not just in The Scottish Farmer, but to a wider audience thanks to us being part of a much larger print and on-line business – and that is the audience that needs to be reached to reduce the incidence of these devastating attacks on farmed livestock.

Given the laxness of the law and the lenience afforded by its vagueness, and interpretation in respect of dogs caught worrying livestock, it would appear that vermin such as foxes and badgers are afforded better protection from dogs than livestock.

It is state of affairs that cannot go on. Something must be done and hopefully our push to bring the matter further up the political agenda will add to the sterling efforts being done by NFU Scotland, the National Sheep Association, QMS and other stakeholders in the industry in this respect.

This will be a slow process – changing the law always is – but if it eventually leads to a foolproof system which backs the victims and not the offenders, then it will have been a job worth doing. The fact is that, at the moment, there are many dogs which have been spared destruction because of some loophole or other. They are still running around and remain a potential threat to livestock. Such dogs have no 'off button' and once they have had a taste for savaging sheep, then they will always have it.

That is why it must be made clear to dog owners that if their dogs cause some of the sickening scenes that we have all been witness to, then they must pay the ultimate price. On top of that, there must be reparation to the stock owners for the value of stock which have been killed, had to be put down or consequential loss for abortions and vet bills.

The Scottish Farmer stands firm behind the industry in its efforts to stamp out this scourge and we would urge you to show your support by signing our paper or on-line petition, the means of which are made clear on pages 14 and 15 – where you will also read of widespread support for this initiative.

Please 'Take a Lead' and help give this campaign real meaning.