Police in Fife have highlighted a concerning increase in dog attacks on livestock after the latest ended in a sheep having to be put down.
Officers have described the apparent rise in incidents as a “worrying trend” following a shocking incident in the Lochgelly area last week.
A sheep was mauled by a dog at Wester Colquhally Farm near Cartmore Industrial Estate some time between 6pm on Thursday April 12 and 8am on Friday April 13, and the animal was left with horrific facial injuries.
The attack was so bad that the sheep had to be put down, leaving two lambs without a mother.
The incident has drawn condemnation on social media, and Police Scotland have urged people to look after their dogs responsibly in rural areas.
A spokesperson said: “This is the latest attack on livestock in Fife the last few weeks and is a worrying trend.
“Police Scotland have been very active recently with a campaign aimed at members of the public who walk their dogs on farm land outlining the legal side of sheep worrying and explaining their responsibilities as dog owners.”
Local farmer Julie Ann Brownlie posted the picture of the injured sheep and pleaded with dog owners to ensure their pets are kept on the lead.
“Sadly this is reality!!” she said.
“One of our sheep not even been outside with its lambs for 24hrs has been mauled by a dog!!!
“We know there is lots of people who walk their dogs through this farm with no leads on!
“Anyone happen to see our sheep being chased please message us. Police have been contacted!!”
The news comes just days after a pet dog was shot dead by a farmer in Perthshire on Sunday, and is among a spate of incidents in the middle of the lambing season.
Just last month in Fife, farmer James Mckerrow lost a prize pregnant ewe in a horrific dog attack in a field near Freuchie.
Anyone with information which may help trace the culprits should contact Police Scotland on 101.
