A man and a woman have been charged following an alleged incident of sheep worrying involving a dog at a farm in north Scotland.

Three sheep were killed at a farm in the Dunphail area near Forres on 27 April.

A 32-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman have been charged by police in connection with the deaths of the animals. The incident has been reported to the procurator fiscal.

See also: The law on shooting dogs – critical facts farmers must know

PC Jeanette Thompson, from Police Scotland, said: “We would like to remind dog owners and people walking dogs in the countryside to keep their animals under control.

“All dogs should be kept on a lead when being walked next to livestock. Sheep and lambs are particularly vulnerable at this time of year and this incident could have been avoided had the owners had their dog on a lead.

“Even those animals not directly attacked can suffer stress, causing miscarriage and death. It does not matter how trained you think your dog is, it only takes a moment for it to enter a field which has consequences for the farmer, owner and, ultimately, the dog.”

Reminder to dog owners

PC Thompson added: “We would also remind dog owners that farmers are legally entitled to protect their livestock, which can result in the destruction of a dog by shooting it. While no farmer wishes to resort to this option, it is an option available and one that could quite easily be avoided if owners ensure they have proper control of their dogs.

“Anyone with concerns should report these to the police on 101.”