Man charged after his dog killed sheep

A 27-year-old man has been charged after a dog killed over 10 sheep in Perthshire last week.

The incident happened at two farms in the Glenalmond area, which lead to the dog owner being charged with sheep worrying.

Police officers are now wanting to remind dog owners of their responsibilities in rural areas.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland’s Tayside division added farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs who are threatening their livestock.

They said:“Police Scotland would like to remind dog owners in rural areas of their responsibilities following two incidents of sheep worrying in the Glenalmond area of Perthshire last week.

“A 27-year-old man has been charged following these incidents, which involved a dog killing over 10 sheep between two farms and causing distress to the flocks.

“We would like to remind dog owners and people walking dogs in the countryside to keep their animals under control.

“Farmers are legally entitles to protect their livestock which can result in the destruction of a dog by shooting it.

“While no farmer wishes to resort to this option, it has been necessary for this action to be taken before, but it can quite easily be avoided if owners ensure that they have proper control of their dogs.”

The spokesperson continued:“The advice to dog owners who live in rural areas or anyone walking and exercising their dogs in the countryside is to ensure they are under full control at all timesand avoid going into fields where livestock is grazing.

“The Scottish Outdoor Access Code says dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields where there are lambs or other young farm animals.

“While it is not lambing season at the moment, there is a vast amount of livestock, especially sheep, grazing in lower ground at this time of year.

“So please take care - you don’t want to end up with a dead dog and a criminal charge as well.”