PixabayA lamb was killed and other sheep injured during a dog attack in North Ayrshire.
The sheep-worrying incident happened in Hunterston on Sunday.
A 57-year-old woman from nearby Largs has been charged with an offence under the Protection of Livestock Act in connection with the incident.
Police are reminding dog owners that lambing season is under way and to keep their pets under control.
PC Cuthbert said: “A dog attacking, chasing or even being at large in a field where sheep are kept can lead to significant injury and often unfortunately leads to the sheep being killed or destroyed.
“Such attacks have a financial and emotional impact on the farmer and cause immense suffering to the animals and are avoidable if dog owners follow some simple steps.
“We are reminding all dog owners of the requirement to ensure dogs are properly controlled and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which advises that dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.
“We treat all reports of livestock worrying seriously, ensuring all reported cases of sheep worrying are thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
