ABERDEENSHIRE dog owners have been warned to keep their animals under control in the countryside, after Police received yet another report of sheep worrying, at around 7:30am on Monday, April 24, in the Bridge of Marnoch area, near Huntly. Two Texel cross Charollais ewes died as a result of the attack, and five more were left injured.

Angus Greenlaw, of Sheep Park Farms, Bridge of Marnoch, Huntly. was forced to shoot the pet dog, which was a Husky Rottweiler Cross, dead.

He said: "It's not just the loss of sheep and lambs that's the problem, it's the vet costs as well.

"One of the sheep had to be put down because half its face had been ripped off, and the second sheep died of shock while the vet was stitching its face back together."

Asked if he felt guilty about shooting the dog, Mr Greenlaw added: "This is the second time this dog has attacked my sheep. It's a shame for the owners, but they had plenty of warnings before now!"

PC Dean McHugh, from the local community policing team, said: "Farmers are within their right to shoot dogs worrying sheep on their land as a last resort to prevent further injury.

"Losing sheep and unborn lambs has a significant impact on farmers and their livelihoods, but to lose a much-loved pet causes huge upset for dog owners as well.

"All it can take to avoid this distress is to keep dogs on leads or under control, and for owners to take the necessary steps to ensure animals cannot run loose. My advice to anyone walking and exercising their dogs in the countryside is to ensure that they are constantly under control and to avoid going into fields where livestock are grazing.

"It is your responsibility to know where your animal is and what they are doing. At worst, you could end up losing your pet and appearing in court. Anyone with concerns about livestock worrying can contact Police on 101."

It was later revealed that the dog in question was not microchipped.