A sheep has been killed after it was mauled to death by a dog in a Scots field.
Officers were alerted to the incident at Colvend in Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, after the unleashed canine attacked the animal on Wednesday, March 29. Shocking images show the sheep covered in blood with turfs of its fur ripped from its body.
In this instance, the stress caused to the rest of the flock - which are lambing - has the potential to cause abortion or miscarriage. Police investigating the attack have urged any witnesses to come forward as dog owners have been reminded of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 2021.
Under this law, owners of dogs that attack or worry livestock can be fined up to £40,000 or even sent to prison for up to 12 months. This crime occurs with any dog, including those which are well trained, are off their leads or are roaming without an owner or person in charge of them.
While many owners are unaware of the impact their dogs are having on livestock, it is their responsibility to ensure attacks and worrying don't happen. Anybody with any information on this incident is urged to contact Police Scotland quoting crime reference PS-20230329-2875.
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