Fife Council is asking dog walkers to ‘Take the Lead’ through its new campaign that encourages people to keep their pets under control when out in the countryside and in open spaces. 

The 'Take the Lead' campaign, in partnership with Police Scotland and supported by the NFU (National Farmers Union), asks dog walkers to be considerate and responsible when out and about.

Dogs that are off the lead can disturb sheep, new-born lambs, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. 

The 'Take the Lead' campaign stresses the importance of keeping dogs under control in various situations.

Dunfermline Press:

The Council's Safer Communities Team will also be running ‘Take the Lead’ days of action at various venues throughout this year, including Pittencrieff Park (March 28 and July 23), Blairadam Forest (April 18) and Lochore Meadows (April 10), providing essential advice on keeping dogs, the countryside, and open spaces, safe. 

Councillor Linda Erskine, Fife Council spokesperson for Communities and Leisure, said:  “Fife’s countryside is a fantastic place to walk dogs, and we encourage dog owners to take advantage of that. However, we want all dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs, and always keep them under control."

 Key advice is to: 

  • Keep a short lead with you and use it when needed (e.g. around livestock, wildlife and ground nesting birds or where signage requests it) 
  • Do not let your dog off the lead unless you keep it in sight and close enough to come back to you on command 
  • Keep your dog on the lead if it has poor recall 
  • Prevent your dog from approaching horse riders, cyclists, or other people and their dogs 
  • Keep your dog with you on paths or access land, and don’t let it stray into crops including, fields of grass, fruit and vegetables 
  • Never let your dog worry or chase wildlife or livestock. 

The campaign is also asking dog owners and walkers to bag and bin their dog’s poo. Worms and diseases from dog waste can infect people, livestock and wildlife. By bagging up dog poo and placing it in any public waste bin, or your bin at home, will help protect local wildlife and areas. 

Dunfermline Press:

Jacqui Leigh, Safer Communities Project Officer, Fife Council, said: “We know that most dog walkers are responsible and help to look after our wildlife and countryside. We are reminding dog owners and walkers to keep their dogs on leads and encouraging people to stick to designated paths so that livestock and wildlife remain undisturbed in the countryside. 

“Parks and other open spaces are also home to wildlife, so people should be vigilant and put their dog on a lead when they are out and about, if the dog may chase wildlife or does not have good recall.” 

Detective Inspector, Stuart Hunter, Police Scotland, added: “We’re urging dog owners to keep pets on short leads - now that spring is here birds will be nesting on the ground, animals are emerging from hibernation, and new-born lambs and grazing livestock are out in fields. 

“Longer days and warmer weather means we can enjoy the benefits of exercise and fresh air. However, dogs of any breed or size can pose a threat to sheep, cows and other grazing livestock. Owners should ensure their dog walks nicely on their lead around distractions, such other animals.  

Dunfermline Press:

“Livestock worrying incidents that include barking, chasing, biting and killing - can cause anxiety, miscarriage and terrible injuries to farm animals. No matter how in control dog owners think they are, they should remain alert, and dogs should always be kept on a lead around livestock." 

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and dog owners could be liable for prosecution or a fine. By following Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code, avoiding fields with livestock, following signs, and keeping dogs on leads, the issue can be avoided. 

If you see a dog out of control, Fife Council’s Dog Control Team can be contacted via safercommunities.team@fife.gov.uk or by phoning 03451 55 00 22. If a dog is dangerously out of control, report it to the police by calling 101.