Dog walkers are being urged to keep their animals under control after a number of attacks, including one fatal, on livestock in the Highlands.
Police in Caithness say they want to “remind dog owners of their responsibilities” in ensuring that their dogs are under control at all times, in particular when walking them near to livestock.
A police statement said: “Advice is being issued following reports received recently about dogs being let off their leads in the vicinity of livestock, causing the animals to become distressed.”
The incidents reported to take took place in the Camster area.
A number of reports have detailed dogs attacking livestock, causing serious and on one occasion, fatal injuries.
Such acts come under the Offence of Worrying Livestock, Section 1 of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
Sergeant Stephen Mezals advises: “Farmers and crofters who keep livestock play a vital role in providing a sustainable community in areas like Caithness. Any stress caused to these animals by the presence of dogs, and any attacks on them have a detrimental effect on this sustainability as well as being harmful to the farmers and crofters’ livelihoods.”
“Caithness has some amazing scenery and I would never discourage anyone from getting out to enjoy it.
“However, I would advise anyone walking their dogs near livestock to keep them on a lead at all times.”