Further sheep worrying attacks in Clydesdale

Surviving sheep after dog attack in Carluke earlier this month. Two were killed outright.

A ewe and a lamb were injured in a dog attack at Carstairs Junction.

One of the earlier attacks was in Coalburn, and two in Carluke.

As reported previously, two young sheep were killed and others injured in an attack earlier this month on a group of five in a fenced area in one of the Carluke farms.

The police announced on Tuesdays that dog owners were to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the Clydesdale incidents.

The incidents happened shortly after the launch on March 1 of a national Police Scotland campaign to raise awareness among dog owners about the devastating effects of livestock worrying.

The campaign, which involves bodies including the National Farmers Union of Scotland seeks to highlight the impact of livestock worrying, ensuring that dog owners who walk their dogs in the countryside keep their dogs under close control.

The campaign coincides with the spring lambing period because this is when sheep are at greatest risk.

A dog attacking, chasing or even being at large in a field where sheep are kept can lead to significant injury and often leads to the sheep being killed or destroyed.

PC James Higgins of the safer communities department at Lanark said he had personally visited farmers affected by livestock worrying.

“They report that this is a widespread issue, which is costing large sums of money,” he said.

“ Moreover, farmers are being left distressed at having to destroy animals in their care, often after the animal has suffered for some time prior to discovery.”

And PC Higgins added: “Owners of dogs are reminded that control of their animal rests entirely with them, and the priority will always be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of livestock.

“Consideration is given in every instance to prosecution, and unfortunately surrender or destruction of the dog is a possibility.”

Anyone who requires information or assistance with livestock worrying should call PC Higgins is at Lanark police office.

Incidents can be reported via 101 or 999 in an emergency.