Police are appealing for information in connection with a string of sheep-worrying incidents at a farm in Killin.
On Wednesday, August 10, police were called to Kinnell Farm, to the south of the River Dochart, after a lamb and a ewe were found injured.
The ewe eventually had to be put down.
Officers were also informed about an earlier incident on Sunday, July 31, where a lamb was found injured in a field at the same location. Earlier this month, we told how the horrified farmer discovered the family pet with gruesome injuries, which they suspect was the result of a possible dog attack.
Three-month-old Lenny the lamb was found in his field with his ear brutally ripped off at around 9am. The shaken lamb’s ear was later found on the opposite side of the fence.
Pictures snapped after the attack showed the young lamb’s severed ear sitting on a fence post and Lenny with a large wound on the side of his head and drenched in blood.
Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.
One line of enquiry officers are considering is whether dogs could be responsible and with that in mind they would like to remind dog owners and those walking dogs in the countryside to keep animals under control.
Inspector Andrew Bushell said: “These were distressing incidents for the farmer and for those who found the animals. Livestock attacks are a priority for us and we’re doing all we can to find out exactly what happened.
“Farmers are legally entitled to protect their livestock, which could result in the destruction of a dog. No farmer wishes to resort to this option and it can be easily avoided if owners ensure dogs are kept under control at all times and avoid entering fields where livestock is grazing. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code states dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields with lambs and other young farm animals.
“Officers are also liaising with the local Partnership Against Rural Crime Group. We are working with partners to raise awareness of this topic and have been doing engagement patrols with dog owners.”
Anyone with info about these incidents should contact police on 101 quoting reference 2750 of August 10.
