Dog walkers in the Fife countryside have been warned to control their pets following the mauling of two lambs.
PC Stuart Bruce, a community ward officer in north-east Fife, has said that uncontrolled animals could have potentially “devastating” consequences for the livelihood of farmers.
The incident happened last month at Hanging Myre Farm, near Leslie, on the south side of the Lomond Hills, but there are fears that repeat tragedies could occur unless dog owners take the necessary steps to control their pets.
PC Bruce told The Courier that taking some sensible precautions while walking dogs in the countryside could prevent devastating circumstances from ensuing for both owner, farmer and the animals themselves.
“People are urged to use land sensibly and to keep proper control of their dog at all times,” he said.
“This offence can have a devastating consequence on both the livelihood of the farmer, and the welfare of the animal.”
Following last month’s lamb attack, the dog involved, said to be a dark- coloured lurcher-type animal, was seen running towards the Collydean area of Glenrothes.
The Lomond Hills is hugely popular with dog walkers, with hundreds of people heading there every week.
The area is particularly popular in the spring and summer, with thoroughfares cutting across many fields.
However, the increase in human traffic also coincides with the lambing season and while signs are in place warning dog walkers to keep pets on leads, this often goes unheeded.
Referring to last month’s incident, PC Bruce added: “Ewes and lambs can be stressed by the actions of dog walkers and, as in this case, it may result in the death of the animals.”
Dogs can be legitimately destroyed by farmers should they believe their livestock is under threat of attack or chase which could lead to its injury or abortion of a lamb.
Furthermore, due to the price of sheep at market, livestock owners could make a civil claim against the dog owner, while also reporting them for failing to control their animal.
Anybody with information relating to last month’s attack is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.