CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has encouraged dog owners to keep their dogs on the lead when walking through farm fields this lambing season.
Farmers in Scotland are legally entitled to shoot dogs as a last resort if they endanger or threaten their livestock.
Mr Hoy said: “This lambing season, I would encourage all dog walkers and dog owners to keep their dogs safely on the lead when walking through farmland.
“As a last resort, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they endanger their livestock, including lambs, calves and sheep.
“Sheep worrying can have devasting effects on farmers as the stress of being chased by a dog can be enough to kill a sheep.
“It’s important that you have a firm grip of your dog when you’re walking through farm fields for their own safety, and to spread the word by making other dog owners and dog walkers aware of the risks of walking through farm fields without having your dog securely on the lead.”
