Shepherd urges dog owners to be vigilant after lambs left 'fighting for lives' following attack

A shepherd is calling for dog owners to be more vigilant as several of her lambs have been left “fighting for their lives” after a dog attack in East Lothian.

Helen Gray’s flock of coloured Ryelands, a gentle and friendly breed of sheep, were attacked by a dog, leaving three lambs seriously injured.

They are now receiving vital medical care to give them the best chance of survival.

Helen told STV News: “I managed to catch one of the lame ones and my hand came away absolutely covered in blood. I had a closer look at the hind leg and there were clear, deep bite marks.

“It is just really horrible, and they are very distressed. It’s not something you want to see when you are taking all this time and effort to raise high-welfare flocks.”

Helen is also keeping a close watch on the rest of the flock as lambing season is just around the corner.

Helen Gray is keeping a close eye on her flock STV News

Dog attacks are not the only concern farmers like Helen face, even being chased by dogs can cause pregnant ewes enough stress that they can abort their unborn lambs.

Following the dog attack, Helen’s pregnant ewes were scanned, with five losing their unborn lambs.

Further testing will prove if this was due to stress.

The attack on Helen’s flock comes after 11 sheep were killed in a similar attack in Aberdeenshire.

Police are still investigating.

Sheep worrying is a concern for farmers at this time of year STV News

The National Farmers Union have echoed Helen’s call for dog owners to act responsibly or face severe penalties, including fines of up to £40,000 and even a prison sentence.

NFU vice president Duncan Macalister said: “At any time of year, dog worrying is a serious problem but it is always worse at the spring.

“We’re just coming up to the lambing time. Heavily pregnant ewes, there’s a massive impact on the animals and a massive financial and emotional impact on the farmers.”