Police in Aberdeenshire have issued a warning to dog owners after two sheep were found dead and several lambs injured in an alleged livestock worrying incident.
Officers were called to the Bridge of Marnoch area near Huntly at around 7.30am yesterday after a farmer was forced to shoot dead a pet dog.
A 25-year-old man and a woman of the same aged have both been charged in connection with the incident and other previous occurrences in the area from earlier in the year whereby eight sheep were killed.
PC Dean McHugh, from the local Community Policing Team, said: “Farmers are within their right to shoot dogs worrying sheep on their land as a last resort to prevent further injury. To lose sheep and unborn lambs has a significant impact on farmers and their livelihoods, but to lose a much-loved pet causes huge upset for dog owners aswell.
“All it can take to avoid this distress is to keep dogs on leads or under control, and for owners to take the necessary steps to ensure animals cannot run loose. My advice to anyone walking and exercising their dogs in the countryside is to ensure that they are constantly under control and to avoid going into fields where livestock is grazing.
“It is your responsibility to know where your animal is and what they are doing. At worst, you could end up losing your pet and appearing in court.
“Anyone with concerns about livestock worrying can contact Police on 101.”
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to the two individuals who have been charged and the pair will appear in court at a later date.
