As we settle into the longer days, and better weather, of spring, many new dog owners will be tempted to go exploring with their dogs further afield into the beautiful Scottish fields and countryside.

When walking dogs in the countryside, however, owners should be aware that they could be guilty of a criminal offence if their dog “worries” sheep.

In addition to facing criminal proceedings, a farmer is entitled to pursue an owner for compensation for any damage done – and in certain circumstances, farmers have the right to shoot dogs worrying livestock.

Sheep worrying includes not just attacking sheep – it also covers dogs chasing sheep in a way that might cause them to suffer injury, whether contact is made or not.

This is a situation which can easily arise if your dog is off the lead, and not under close control, in a field where there are sheep or other livestock. Although your dog might not bite or make contact with a sheep, the simple act of chasing it can cause miscarriage, and even death.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance and sets out the responsibilities of people who are enjoying their rights to walk in the countryside, including their responsibilities to manage and control their dogs.

In addition, criminal law in Scotland currently sets the maximum penalty which can be imposed upon the owner of a dog worrying sheep – a fine of up to £1,000.

However, that penalty will be considerably tougher in the near future. Towards the end of March, an update to a law introduced last year was passed by MSPs with unanimous cross-party support.

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, the maximum financial penalty for sheep worrying will rise to £5,000, or the alternative of imprisonment for a period of up to six months.

A convicted person could also be banned from owning a dog without limit of time.

The definition of “worrying”will also be updated, to include chasing, attacking and killing, while the definition of livestock is to be updated to include llamas, alpacas and buffalo.

The bill was put forward by Scottish Green MSP Emma Harper and was passed on the last day before the Scottish Parliament closed for the election campaign. It will become law in six months.

Owners would therefore be well advised not to take their dogs into fields where there are sheep, lambs or other livestock at all, or at the very least, to keep their dogs on short leads.