Dog Owners Asked To Take Responsibility for Their Pets

Argyll and Bute Council and the National Farmers Union for Scotland (NFUS) are asking everyone, especially dog owners, to take responsibility for their actions when enjoying the countryside. This is important for safety, especially in areas where there are farm animals.

Lambing is now well under way and responsible dog owners will know they must not allow their dog to chase sheep or lambs. Most ewes will be heavily pregnant and may abort if chased. You should always avoid entering a field of sheep and lambs with dogs since this can cause lambs to become separated from their mothers. Instead go through a neighbouring field or across adjacent land.

During the spring some cattle are turned out after being housed over the winter and may be especially curious of anyone strange entering a field or even passing by. Many beef herds will also be calving right now which means that you need to be careful when entering a field with cattle. Cows will try to defend their calves so you should never take a dog into a field if there are calves present.

If you do enter a field where there are animals always keep as far from the animals as you can. If you unexpectedly find yourself being confronted by a cow with a calf let your dog off the lead, it will out run a cow allowing you to escape by the shortest route. People have been killed by cows where they have attempted to protect a dog.

In the last year research has linked dog fouling with abortions in livestock which can cost farmers a lot of money. As a responsible dog owner you should always pick up and remove any dog’s dirt and place it in a bin just as you would in a public park.

Finally remember that in many areas including woodlands and moorlands from now until August there will be ground nesting birds and while your dog is out of sight it could be destroying their nests. Again keep your dog under close control to help protect our native birds.

Please enjoy the beautiful countryside of Argyll & Bute responsibly. If you wish to learn more about responsible access visit http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

The Argyll & Bute Council Outdoor Access Team can be contacted for advice by land managers and anyone wanting to know more about their rights of responsible access to the countryside on 01546 604 119.