North-east residents have been urged to take part in a public consultation on dogs attacking livestock.
Crown Office statistics have revealed that offences under the current livestock protection legislation have more than doubled since 2008, while Police Scotland has said that they received 338 reports of attacks on livestock in 2018.
The consultation, which ends on May 15, was launched last month by SNP MSP Emma Harper, who has the support of a number of organisations, including NFU Scotland, the Scottish SPCA, and Police Scotland, and others, to strengthen livestock attack laws.
Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt MSP said: “The rise in the number of dogs attacking livestock, particularly sheep, in the past decade is a serious concern and so I would ask my constituents in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine to take part in this public consultation and make their views known.
“At this time of year, sheep will be pregnant and even the chasing of a sheep by a dog – without any physical contact taking place – can be so stressful for the ewe that it can abort the lambs it is carrying.
“I would ask constituents to ensure that when walking dogs near livestock to keep their dog on a lead to prevent further attacks.”
Clare Slipper, political affairs manager of NFU Scotland, added: “We urge as many people as possible to fill out the consultation and give their views on an issue that continues to blight Scottish agriculture.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We encourage everyone to take part in this consultation.
“It’s up to everyone who enjoys the countryside to be a responsible citizen and to be fully aware of their impact on the surrounding environment.”