Man and woman charged after five sheep killed in attacks in Easter Ross

A man and woman have been charged following sheep-worrying incidents in Easter Ross.

It comes after the force was made aware of two incidents in Hilton last month, in the Balintore area, when several sheep were seriously injured.

Police confirmed that the dog owners, a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, have been charged in connection with the incidents which resulted in the death of five sheep.

Dog owners have been warned that if their pets attack or chase livestock, they could face prosecution under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock)(Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021.

Sergeant Mike Gaillie said: “Failing to keep your animal under control can result in a substantial fine or a prison sentence.

“The legislation is in place to protect livestock from dog attack, and irresponsible dog owners can and will be prosecuted.

“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.”

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Following a joint investigation with Police Scotland, on Friday 8 November 2024 The Highland Council served Dog Control Notices (DCNs) under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 on two dog owners within the Balintore area in respect of three dogs.

“This followed an incident reported to police in Hilton, Balintore where several sheep were seriously injured with five dying as a result of the attacks. A DCN contains conditions which are aimed at ensuring the dog owner brings and keeps their dogs under control. In this case the conditions include ensuring the dogs are always on lead while being walked.

“If a dog owner is prosecuted for breaching a DCN, the court may make an order disqualifying a dog owner from owning or keeping a dog during such a period as the court thinks fit. Ultimately if a court considers that a dog is dangerous it may make an order for the dogs destruction.”

Alan Yates, Environmental Health Manager advised: “Our Service are aware of the public concerns in respect of this case and hope that the action taken helps provide some reassurance to the public that further steps have been taken in response to the sheep worrying incidents.

“The Environmental Health team will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland and with the dog owners to monitor and check compliance with the DCNs. Any queries on Dog Control Notices should be emailed to envhealth@highland.gov.uk.

“Police Scotland deal with offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 including where a dog is dangerously out of control in any public place and this should be reported to the Police for investigation.”