Dog Owners Charged Following Sheep Worrying Incidents

Two individuals who own dogs have been arrested and charged in Easter Ross in connection with sheep worrying offenses. This follows an incident last month near a school in Hilton, close to Balintore, where several sheep sustained serious injuries, and five subsequently perished. The arrests of a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman resulted from a collaborative investigation conducted by Police Scotland and the Highland Council. The council has issued dog control notices (DCNs) to the owners of three dogs, imposing conditions such as requiring dogs to be kept on a lead. According to Police Sgt Mike Gaillie, failing to maintain control over animals can lead to significant fines or imprisonment. He stated: “It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is on a lead and under control when livestock is present. “The damage and distress caused not just to the animals, but the farming business is considerable.”