IT'S that time of year again when lambing season has either started or is about to start for our farmers, writes FUW president Glyn Roberts.

Whilst it is a joyful time for many, it can also be incredibly stressful for both farmers, animals and those who come to visit the countryside.

The sight of a dog chasing around the fields and worrying livestock will send a chill down the spine of any farmer. 

We know that a countryside walk is one of life’s small pleasures and realise that for many dogs and their owners to get off the pavements and into the countryside is a real treat. 

However, one of the most frustrating things for a farmer is to find a dog off the lead in their fields only to be told by the owner that the dog is under control.

Worse still is to see a dog approach livestock only to be told by the owner that it’s ‘just playing with them’.

This is simply not acceptable.

READ MORE: FUW president highlights vital issue of farm safety

We have been saying for some time that a change is needed. 

The UK Kept Animals Bill has been widely discussed by the union and makes provisions about the welfare of certain kept animals, including livestock, and will replace the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

We have also been clear that whilst the new bill is currently progressing through the House of Commons urgent action is needed to tackle the problem.

Many of the provisions in the bill are to be welcomed, especially those provisions which function to provide greater investigative and enforcement powers to police forces.

Some of the changes proposed, such as a definition of ‘livestock worrying’ which includes situations whereby a dog chases livestock without any resulting visible injury, should be welcomed.

Improved enforcement powers, which will allow police to enter suspect premises, seize and detain a dog and take samples for the purpose of collecting evidence of an offence have also previously been welcomed by the FUW. 

However, we remain concerned at the provisions in the bill which relate to the definition of dogs ‘at large’.

At present, the bill states that a dog is ‘at large’ unless it is on a lead length of 1.8m or less or is within sight of a person and the person remains aware of the dog’s actions and the person has reason to be confident that the dog will return promptly and reliably. 

As part of our evidence to the Welsh Bill Committee, the FUW stated that individual dog owners are not best placed to judge whether or not their dog will return promptly and reliably and when called.

In our view, the bill must be further strengthened to require that all dogs be kept on a lead in fields near or adjacent to livestock and we will continue to highlight this in our discussions with the Government. 

For dog owners, the FUW has a simple message - please keep your dog on a lead and under close control.

Not many of us would be able to distract a dog that has become excitable around livestock in a field and the consequences of such behaviour for both the livestock and the dog in question could be devastating.

It’s also worth remembering that ewes with lambs or cattle with calves are very protective of their young and might not react as expected when approached by strangers.

The best way to avoid any incidents here is to follow the countryside code and stay clear of the animals. 

The FUW wants people and their dogs to enjoy the countryside but in a responsible manner.

Keep your dog under control and on a short lead at all times so that you do not scare or disturb farm animals or wildlife.