Livestock worrying blights Scottish farms despite slight fall

New figures show that livestock worrying incidents have fallen slightly in Scotland, but rural leaders warn numbers remain high, particularly during spring when vulnerable lambs and calves are most at risk.

Data from Police Scotland’s National Rural, Acquisitive and Business Prevention team recorded 211 incidents in the year to 30 March 2026, a 2.3% fall from 216 the previous year.

However, concern remains over seasonal spikes.

See also: Sheep worrying campaign warns dog owners to act

March to May continues to be the highest risk period, with 83 incidents recorded across those months in 2025.

In contrast, March 2026 alone saw 80 incidents, indicating a sharp rise at the start of spring.

Scottish Land & Estates said the figures present a mixed picture.

Nic MacLeod, policy and public affairs adviser at the rural business organisation, said: “Working with partners over many years, we have seen good progress in tackling livestock worrying and raising awareness among dog owners.

“We are hugely grateful to Police Scotland and the rural crime team for their dedication to intelligence gathering, practical crime prevention and enforcement.

“We remain concerned, however, that the number of incidents remains high, notably in the crucial spring season, when newborn lambs and calves are in the field, and the sheep and cows are also very vulnerable.

“The impact of a dog chasing, or even just approaching or barking at a pregnant ewe, can cause miscarriage and the death of the sheep. This is a crime which has a huge impact on farmers, and any incident of livestock worrying is one too many.”

Inspector Ian Harvey, of Police Scotland’s Rural, Acquisitive and Business Prevention Team, said: “Although reports are slightly down on last year’s figures, dog owners are reminded that they are legally responsible for ensuring their dog is under proper control at all times.”

He added that livestock worrying includes chasing or allowing a dog to roam freely among farm animals, which can cause “serious injury, miscarriage, and death of animals”.

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021, offences can result in fines of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months’ imprisonment.

Police also have the power to seize dogs and investigate incidents.

Dog owners are advised to keep animals on leads near livestock and avoid entering fields with lambs or calves.

Anyone witnessing an incident should contact Police Scotland via 101, or 999 in an emergency.