A Scots farmer and his family have been left devastated after they came across a scene of absolute 'carnage' in one of their fields where 16 lambs had been killed.
Police believe the newborn lambs, who were just a matter of hours old, were attacked by at least one dog, at Blairadam Farm in Kelty, on Monday, April 3, between 10.30am and 1.30pm.
Farmer Stuart McDougall, 43, described the 'hellish' scene which he encountered with his two young daughters who have been left traumatised.
"There were lambs that were still walking around disembowelled with their guts hanging out," he said. "I've never seen anything like it.
"They had broken legs, lacerations all over their bodies, their chest cavities had been crushed, and they had been separated from their mothers. Six were killed outright but 10 had to be put down. We're expecting more to die in the coming days if they get infections.
"The oldest ones there were three days old, some were just literally 24-hours old. It's just horrendous.
"The emotional devastation it has caused the farm and us is just huge. I never slept a wink last night and my youngest was up through the night crying.
"Every time I've went to the lambs and the mother's with my sheepdog they just go into meltdown as they're that traumatised."
Stuart rents his land and has a farm of 400 sheep, which is right beside Blairadam Forrest. He lambs pedigrees that are then sold for breeding. The estimated value of the damage is around £7000 so far.
"There was an incident 8 years ago where my lambs were attacked by a dog, but it was nothing like this and the owner took responsibility," he continued.
"This was such a frenzied attack, they've just gone from one lamb to the next. From the evidence we have from the vet, it's a large dog that's injured them.
"The dog has mauled them to death and the owner has just cleared off. How could you do that? They should be ashamed and appalled with themselves.
"I have no problem with people enjoying the outdoors but they are responsible for their pets and wildlife and livestock around them.
"This is our livelihood, I have no other form of income due to a spinal injury a couple of years ago. It's all we have."
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have been in the area which is a popular walking route.
Inspector Stephen Gray said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident and we are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
“The lambing season has started and worrying can cause stress to sheep that can result in them losing their lambs, as well as injuries that can lead to their death.
“All of this is at considerable cost to farmers.
“Dog owners could face prosecution if their dog attacks livestock so we are urging them to keep dogs on a lead when walking near livestock as well as making sure they do not run or escape into fields on their own.
“I am asking all dog owners to be considerate. Please remember that it is your dog and your responsibility to keep them under control.”
Chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said: “We are very saddened to hear about the death of 16 lambs after a dog attack in Fife. This was a terrible incident which caused tremendous suffering.
“We always try to remind people that lambs and calves are being born at this time of year and the public should keep their distance. Getting too close to cows and sheep can cause them to panic, resulting in injuries or even miscarriages for pregnant mothers.
“Please, if you are near farm land, keep your dog on a lead. No matter how obedient you believe them to be, animals can surprise us and change their mind on a whim.
“Livestock worrying is a crime and attacks are the dog owner's responsibility, resulting in fines of up to £40k or 12 months in prison. If you spot any livestock worrying then please report this to Police Scotland.
“If we take responsibility for the actions of ourselves and our pets and respect farmers’ land then these tragic attacks can be avoided."
Anyone with any information, is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1580 of Monday, 3 April, 2023.
For more information or advice visit: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/livestock-attacks-and-worrying/
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