http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-32411621
QuoteDelays were caused on a busy stretch of the M74 motorway after reports of a dog "taking control of a tractor".
The incident - highlighted on Twitter by Traffic Scotland - took place at J13 at Abington, South Lanarkshire.
It later emerged that a sheepdog called Don, owned by farmer Tom Hamilton, had leaned on the controls of his utility vehicle, taking it on to the road.
Police and Mr Hamilton later recovered Don, who was unhurt, and the vehicle, from the central reservation.
Mr Hamilton told BBC Scotland that he was out on his off road pick up checking lambs in a field above the M74 near Abington.
Farmer relieved
As always he was accompanied by his Collie sheepdog Don, who was sitting beside him in the passenger seat.
While Mr Hamilton was examining a lamb he turned round to see the Gator utility vehicle crashing through the fence and heading down an embankment on to the northbound lane of the M74 with Don still sitting in it.
The vehicle stopped after hitting the central barrier, smashing the windscreen.
Mr Hamilton said he feared that he had not pulled the handbrake properly and was extremely relieved that no drivers were hurt.
The farmer was also relieved that Don escaped with little more than a fright.
The episode caused a stir on social media when it was reported by Traffic Scotland at about 08:45 on Wednesday.
Dog puns
The transport body tweeted: "M74 (N) J13-RTC due to dog taking control of tractor... nope, not joking. Farmer and police at scene, vehicle in central res."
Shortly afterwards Traffic Scotland provided the update: "M74 (N) at J13 - Route is clear from earlier incident and dog is fine. Has to be the weirdest thing we have ever reported! No delays in area."
Police said the vehicle had gone through a fence near the motorway at about 08:15.
The incident led to plenty of dog puns as people responded to Traffic Scotland's tweets.
Tony T wrote: "Police investigating, so far no leads," while Beverley Friend added: "This is barking."
Michelle Muirhead asked: "Will the dog have points on his licence? Was he breathalysed? Did police arrest him?"
(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/media/images/82483000/jpg/_82483971_82483967.jpg)
The evil perpetrator, Don- aka "shifty" aka "Heist yer tractor, laddie!"A Border Collie, not one of those show off Lassie types. :biggrin:
Must say, that's the sweetest traffic disruption ever.
Lucky doggie lives in scotland, if it were in America police would shoot it.
Quote from: stromboli on April 22, 2015, 02:59:05 PM
(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/media/images/82483000/jpg/_82483971_82483967.jpg)
The evil perpetrator, Don- aka "shifty" aka "Heist yer tractor, laddie!"
A Border Collie, not one of those show off Lassie types. :biggrin:
Aww. He looks guilty. SO cute. Like just got scolded mins before he had his pic taken.
Dogs get away with so much
(http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dog-steals-pizza-slice.gif)
And all it takes is ...
(http://cdn-www.dailypuppy.com/media/dogs/anonymous/brando_blacklab26.jpg_w450.jpg)
Imagine if people had this power.
Quote from: Munch on April 22, 2015, 03:43:12 PM
Must say, that's the sweetest traffic disruption ever.
Lucky doggie lives in scotland, if it were in America police would shoot it.
Yeah, and the farmer, too. (and any lambs he may have had with him)
Border Collies are probably the smartest breed of dog, them and German Shepherds. Both are terrific dogs and very loyal.
Quote from: Munch on April 22, 2015, 03:43:12 PM
Must say, that's the sweetest traffic disruption ever.
Lucky doggie lives in scotland, if it were in America police would shoot it.
Yeah. We're going to have to go over there to shoot it. I think Seal Team Four is available...
Quote from: Solitary on April 22, 2015, 05:07:00 PM
Border Collies are probably the smartest breed of dog, them and German Shepherds. Both are terrific dogs and very loyal.
Reminded me of my aunts dog :(. She was an awesome doggie.
This was on Scotland Today earlier an the wee dog is bein seen as a wee Rascal who somehow, ''Bumped the handbrake and sent the tractor down the hill through the fence an right onto a busy road, some people are sayin he actually steered it to avoid traffic, really funny stuff........
I feel like a movie should be made of this, yet not just how the Border Collie drove the tractor, but how he caught criminals in the process.
Fast & Furious, Border Collie Style...............get oot ma way ya b.....d's...............
Grew up in sheep country with sheepherders and dogs. the majority were Border Collies. They are the smartest breed. If you've ever seen how they work a flock, it is amazing. The shepherds just whistle, and the dogs respond. I read somewhere they can recognize over a hundred commands. Which makes me suspicious about ol' Don there........
Quote from: stromboli on April 22, 2015, 06:21:02 PM
Grew up in sheep country with sheepherders and dogs. the majority were Border Collies. They are the smartest breed. If you've ever seen how they work a flock, it is amazing. The shepherds just whistle, and the dogs respond. I read somewhere they can recognize over a hundred commands. Which makes me suspicious about ol' Don there........
We had a little 25 lb version of a border collie grace our lives. She was a wonderful bundle of brain and mussel. At meal time she would round up the other two dogs, nipping at their heels until they were in place; did the same when it was walk time. Patrolled our back yard (which is all organic vegs and herbs and flowers, no grass) with regularity, and was a fantastic ratter. She was super easy to train--and she trained us well, too. She passed just recently, and is deeply missed. Border collies are fantastic animals.
I would have a Border Collie but they require more room and more exercise than I can give them. Their loyalty is astounding. One old gent I knew had a dog that would stay by his front door and guard the house against anyone he didn't know, and would actually fetch his leash and be waiting when the man stepped out in the morning. It did chores all day long without being told, picking up stuff that he dropped and returning it to the place it belonged. They are amazing animals.