Tayside Police is becoming increasing concerned at the number of incidents being reported involving dogs which are allowed to roam free in the countryside.

With spring on the way more people are taking to the countryside, often in the company of their dog.  While the exercise for both is beneficial there can be unpleasant results in store if dogs are not kept under proper control.

Only recently Tayside Police were notified of two incidents involving dogs worrying sheep near Alyth.  A further four incidents in Tayside were reported where roe deer had been chased, caught and mauled by dogs which were allowed off their leads.

Alan Stewart, Tayside Police wildlife and environment officer, said;

“Unfortunately I receive regular reports of dogs being out of control in the countryside, many relating to farm livestock and game being attacked.  Few owners would think that their dog could catch a roe deer but there’s clear evidence that it happens.  Most will be unable to efficiently kill a deer, which is backed up by the four recent roe deer attacked sustaining terrible injuries, from which they eventually died.”

Mr Stewart warns that ground-nesting birds will shortly be nesting and are easily flushed from nests, sometimes deserting them.  He adds that a bit of care, common sense and a sense of responsibility when in the countryside with a dog means that all will enjoy the visit and farm livestock and wildlife will be safe and undisturbed.

Part of the agreement of access to the countryside is that people conform to the Access Code.  The code states that any dog should be ‘under proper control.’  Clearly many are not as has been evidenced recently in Tayside.