Duilich, chan eil seo ri fhaighinn ach sa Bheurla an-dràsta.
Skye has a rich canine and lupine history, with place names, myth and folklore often holding the remnants of dog and wolf figures across its history. Our relationship with dogs continues to evolve as they evolve alongside us, holding a range of positions from companions to colleagues or competitors, sharing our spaces and often reflecting human health issues, personalities or statuses.
The pandemic has seen a puppy buying boom, both acknowledging the health benefits associated with pet ownership, aswell as setting in motion a marked increase in biting injuries, dog attacks and sheep-worrying*.
As a reflection on the scale and affect sheep worrying has on the rural community (emotionally and financially), new legislation ‘Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill’ has been passed which increases the maximum penalty to a fine of £40,000 or imprisonment for six months. Increasing instances of sheep worrying represent both the growth in ownership but also describes ways that people can (ir)responsibly navigate land. The dog as a direct extension of owner can demonstrate problematic attitudes to animal welfare, rural livelihoods and a hierarchy of value.
In the midst of rewilding debates and the reintroduction of wolves, it could be argued that there already are lupine presences in landscape, via our domestic dogs in wolves clothing.
Lauren is interested in further examining canine and lupine presences on Skye, the complexities of navigating with animals on land, human and non-human land use and rural/urban divide.
*to afflict with mental distress or agitation, to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat, to shake or pull at with the teeth