Cops say the young animals were chased into the sea by an out-of-control dog.
A lamb has been reported dead as three others are presumed to have drowned after being “cased into the sea” by dog in a Highland town.
Police were alerted to the incident near Meall Dearg in Scouriemore between 1pm and 2pm on Friday, May 2. Cops say the young animals were chased into the sea by an out-of-control dog.
The animal remains at-large. Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officers have appealed to any witnesses or those with any information to come forward.
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 – otherwise known as “lamb dog law” – it is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock, including sheep and lambs, on agricultural land. Worrying includes chasing, attacking, or being at-large in a field with livestock in a way that could cause injury or suffering.
Dog owners can be fined up to £1,000 and may even face imprisonment if convicted of violating the Act.
A statement from Police Scotland reads: “Officers in the North are appealing for information after livestock were attacked in Scourie, North West Sutherland. Between 8am and 1pm on Friday, May 2 on land near Meall Dearg, Scouriemore, a lamb was killed and three others are reported missing – presumed chased into the sea and drowned by either a dog or dogs.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact the officer at Rhiconich Police Station on 101 quoting CR/0181475/25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
It comes after farmers in Stirlingshire issued dog owners a stark warning to keep pets on lead after double sheep worrying scare earlier this year.
Louise and Andrew Paterson, who farm at Woodend Farm, in Balfron, said they dealt with sheep being chased across fields by out of control dogs.
Speaking at the time, Louise said: “As farmers we love our animals and want to nurture them and keep them alive. At this time of year there are lots of pregnant sheep in the fields growing their babies and need peace and rest to grow healthy lambs.
“So please, please, keep your dogs on the lead at all times.”
And in February, several sheep were left injured following a crazed dog attack in Ayrshire.
The incident which saw a number of sheep “attacked and injured by a dog” occurred in Dalry, North Ayrshire.
A police probe was launched into the incident with cops warning owners that “even well-trained dogs can scare or attack livestock”.
A spokesperson for the force said at the time: “Even well-trained dogs can, when off the lead, scare or attack livestock animals. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure attacks and worrying doesn't happen.
“If you're in an area where livestock is nearby, maintain control of your dog by always keeping it on a lead. Owners should ensure their dog doesn't disturb or attack livestock, otherwise there are consequences under the law.”
