‘Tackling Rural Anti-Social Behaviour’ event in Ayrshire well received as local authorities look to educate on growing problems.
NFU Scotland with Police Scotland, South Ayrshire Council, and Keep Scotland Beautiful, hosted workshops and a discussion on Lord David Kennedy’s Morriston Farm, Maybole, Ayrshire.
Anti-social behaviour is a serious problem in rural areas with cases of fly-tipping, dog worrying of livestock, and aggressive behaviour from the public towards farmers and landowners.
The event consisted of three workshops on; how to deal with fly tipping, access issues including with dogs, and practical solutions to managing rural antisocial behaviour and inappropriate access, followed by a group discussion.
Christine Cuthbertson, NFU Scotland Regional Manager for Ayrshire, said: “Over recent years there has been a sharp increase in dog fouling on or near agricultural land in Ayrshire especially when located on urban fringes or near country parks and is an important issue for dog owners to be aware of, both for the health of their own pet but also the livestock grazing on that land.
“Regardless of where you are, you should pick up after your dog, and not just flick it into a nearby field.”
PC Graeme Gordon, who runs the Rural Watch in the area, added: “Fly tipping of household and commercial waste is a big issue too for our farmers. Not only is it unsightly, it can be hazardous to farm livestock and machinery.
“With an abundance of litter bins in country layby’s as well as Local authority recycling facilities we urge members of the public to dispose of their waste responsibly.”
Central Ayrshire MP Dr Philippa Whitford, who attended the event and is a supporter of the initiative, commented after: "I was delighted to attend the local NFU Scotland workshop; to meet local Ayrshire farmers, land owners and forestry staff and to learn about the issues causing concern. Two issues which were discussed in detail were the damage to our beautiful county through fly-tipping and the very real danger dogs can pose to livestock.
"Hearing of an attack by two dogs that resulted in the deaths of 21 sheep, highlighted to me that the term 'worrying' simply does not describe the havoc that an uncontrolled pet can wreak. It doesn't matter how good natured a dog normally is; if taken into the unusual situation of being exposed to livestock, their reaction, and the damage they may inflict, is completely unpredictable."
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