Man fined after dogs attack flock of sheep
© Tim Scrivener A man was fined £300 after three Jack Russells attacked a flock of sheep on farmland near Melrose, Scotland.
Terence Drum, 57, admitted having committed the offence on 17 January at Eddy Road in Newstead, near Melrose,
See also: What to do if you’re a victim of sheep worrying
His lawyer told Selkirk Sheriff Court that the dogs had never behaved like it before and his client was unaware of sheep ever being in the field before.
Farm leaders in Scotland have long campaigned for action to be taken to prevent dog attacks and sheep worrying.
Earlier this year, a five-month, multi-agency campaign to highlight the impact of dog attacks was launched by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime.
The campaign – Your Dog, Your Responsibility – aimed to ensure dog owners understood the emotional and financial effects on farmers and livestock.
Experience has shown that livestock attacks often occur when dog owners are not present.
Owners are reminded that they must take responsibility for the actions of their dogs.