Pregnant eweis attacked bydog

Dog walkers have been warned to control their pets after a pregnant sheep was attacked in Blairlogie.

The ewe was savaged by an Alaskan malamute.

Although the sheep survived, the ScottishSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) is urging people to be conscious of the dangers of sheep worrying.

SSPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Sheep worrying can often lead to sheep being killed or seriously injured as they try to flee as they can run into fences or walls when panicked.

“It is a big issue at any time of the year but more so during lambing season when the sheep and lambs are more vulnerable. The stress that sheep incur whilst being chased can lead to them miscarrying and even death.

“If a sheep or lamb is caught by a dog they often have to be put to sleep due to their injuries.

“We appreciate that the countryside is a great place to walk dogs, but as it is a dog’s natural instinct to chase we would always recommend that dogs are kept on a lead near any farm animal.”

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 it is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. Worrying livestock includes attacking or chasing them.

A campaign to raise awareness of livestock worrying was launched in February by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, with Police Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and other organisations.