An online survey has been launched to explore what farmers and dog owners think about penalties and preventative measures.
Farmers and dog owners are being asked for their opinion on what penalties they find reasonable for dogs who attack sheep.
The online survey will also ask what preventative measures they are willing to take, as well as any personal experiences with sheep worrying.
Participants with sheep, dogs, or both, are being asked to respond.
Nicole Hayes, who is studying at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary Sciences, created the survey as part of her dissertation.
It is supported by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Ms Hayes said: “We want to see how dog and sheep owners might differ in their views of sheep worrying and better understand what might encourage people to change their behaviour and reduce this growing problem.
“The views of sheep farmers are particularly important, as it is thought not many officially report dog attacks on their flock and so the extent of the problem is not being fully recorded.”
To fill out the survey, click here. The survey closes on June 24 and the results are expected to be published later in the year.