Call to keep dogs under control in countryside
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THE Scottish SPCA has urged dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times following a rise in attacks on wildlife and livestock in parts of the country.
The animal welfare charity recently issued a warning on sheep-worrying and is now concerned that wildlife is being harmed by dogs.
Animal rescue officer Amy Stirton said: “Pandemic or not, people should not let their dog off-lead if they cannot control them.
“I have now attended two deer in as many weeks which have been brought down by dogs.
“These deer often get away, but not before sustaining fatal injuries. This means we have to then try to find them so we can put them to sleep and prevent further suffering."
Dogs should be under control at all times and on a lead whenever they are near livestock or wildlife. During the pandemic, the advice is for dogs to be kept on a lead at all times.
Amy added: “We’d also like to remind the public that at this time if their dog runs off and becomes lost, then nobody will be able to come out and search for it.
“Dog warden services are suspended due to coronavirus and we do not have the resources to search for missing animals.”
If anyone comes across wildlife which is injured or abandoned, the advice is not to attempt to move or touch it and call the charity’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
