FARMERS have shown their support for tackling the issue of dog attacks on livestock, by replying in considerable number to Emma Harper MSP’s consultation towards new legislation on the control of dogs.

Within a day of its launch on February 21, Ms Harper tweeted her delight at the industry’s enthusiastic show of support: “In the last 24 hours we’ve had 86 responses to my livestock attack proposals – in context that number is more than what most Members’ Bill consultations will receive in total... and we still have 12 weeks left! Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far. Keep ‘em comin’!”

Commenting on the consultation responses she has received since, Ms Harper said: "By the middle of the following week had received 256 responses. The high number of responses in the first 24 hours following the launch and in the days after demonstrates how important protecting our livestock is to the stakeholders involved, which includes farmers, vets, police, animal welfare inspectors, as well as the general public,” she said.

"Livestock attacks are unfortunately a common occurrence across Scotland so that's why I decided to take decisive action with my proposals for a Members' Bill to strengthen livestock attack laws. I would encourage as many people as possible to respond to this consultation so together we can prevent further livestock attacks from happening in the future," she urged.

There are still over two months left for farmers and the wider public to feed in to the consultation and The Scottish Farmer would like to support Ms Harper by encouraging as many individuals as possible to contribute their opinion to this important piece of work.

Please fill out the survey here:- http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LivestockWorrying/