01 July 2020
Countryside Awareness
We are extremely concerned to hear that due to the very high influxes of walkers with dogs in our surrounding area, farmers are having to spend additional time patrolling flocks to try and prevent attacks by dogs. We urge people to keep their dogs under control, to clear up their mess and to be responsible in the countryside.
Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:
Responsible behaviour by the public
Access rights apply to people walking dogs as long as their dogs are kept under proper control. Your main responsibilities are:
Farm Animals
- Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals
- Don't take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals
- If you go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or close at heel and keep as far as possible from the animals
- If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field
Crops
- Don't take your dog into fields of vegetables or fruit unless there is a clear path, such as a core path or right of way, and keep your dog to the path
Dog waste:
- Pick up and remove your dog's faeces if it defecates in a public open place
