There has been shock in the wake of pictures showing a dog savaging a young deer at a popular Perthshire visitor destination.
After the images captured by a stunned onlooker were published by The Courier, members of the public have rushed to express their concern.
The large hound was spotted at the Hermitage, near Dunkeld, by Dundee residents who heard strange noises coming from across the river Braan.
They were horrified to witness a fawn being mauled by a dog and its bloodied carcass being left on the river bank.
They were able to take photographs, which they sent on to Tayside Police before getting in touch with The Courier.
A police spokesperson confirmed inquiries were continuing.
“As part of the on-going investigation, officers have spoken with local vets, Scottish Woodland staff, the local gamekeeper, and passed information to Tay fisheries ghillies to see if their local knowledge and expertise could shed any light on the incident.
“We have also received information from members of the public that is being followed up as a part of the inquiry.”
The attack has stimulated a great deal of discussion and comment on both The Courier’s website and Facebook page.
One of the greatest fears expressed is about animals being allowed to run wild by their owners at what is a popular family destination.Need to actAnna Kucharksa from St Andrews said, “We need to do something about the owners of these dogs. Deer today, sheep tomorrow, a child the day after.”
This has been echoed by two Dundee readers, with one stating “That dog is obviously dangerous and should be destroyed it could be a young child next.”
Meanwhile, Carolanne Allardyce described the incident as “horrendous,” saying, “This is not nature nature is about survival.
“This was not about the dog’s need for survival. Where was the dog owner? I wonder if people would feel the same if this dog (wild or otherwise) attacked a family pet, or worse a child, while out having a Sunday stroll?
“This is worrying to say the least, the deer was defenceless against this animal.”
Although there have been a number of concerns raised, there are also readers who feel the dog was just being true to nature.
Tam from Dundee labelled it “survival of the fittest,” while James Kenneth wrote, “Such is nature. Sadly people are rather over sensitive sometimes. Still, any excuse for a bit of righteous indignation.”
Pamela Stoneman and Karen Connor have also suggested that if the dog is wild then it was just hungry and ensuring it was able to eat.
While no one has been able to say for sure, there is speculation that it could either be a deerhound or a German shepherd.
The police haveappealed to anyone who could identify the dog or its owner, or who has information that could assist inquiries, to call 0300 111 2222.