A dog attack that saw four lambs killed has resulted in a 73-year-old man has being charged by police. following a livestock worrying incident in in north east Scotland.

The incident happened between March 21 and April 12, this year, in north-east Scotland.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man is expected to appear in court at a later date.

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Police Scotlands' Constable Hannah Corbett, urged the public to keep dogs under control when out in the countryside.

She said: "Farmers are legally entitled to protect their livestock, which can result in the destruction of a dog by being shot.

"Whilst no farmer wants to resort to this option, it is legal, though it could be easily avoided if owners ensure that their dogs are controlled around livestock.

“When you are walking dogs near livestock, please ensure that your dog is kept under control, restrained on a lead, even if you can usually trust it to recall.”

Under Scottish legislation, owners of dogs attacking and worrying livestock can now be imprisoned and fined up to £40,000.

The dog does not have to physically attack the sheep to cause them extreme stress or death.