Sheep worrying incident in Forres
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Two serious incidents of sheep worrying have taken place in Moray recently, including one in which eight were injured.
With the lambing season under way, Police Scotland are reminding dog owners to keep their pets on leads when walking near livestock.
Enquiries are ongoing after a dog was seen chasing sheep in a field near Forres on Wednesday, February 9.
Meanwhile, police say they spoke yesterday to a dog owner in Aberlour after their pet injured eight sheep.
They add that the farmer did not want to take the matter further.
Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Hannah Haywood, said "The lambing season has started and so anyone exercising their dogs should make sure they keep their pets on a lead and under close control when walking near livestock.
"If you live near a farming area, it's also important to ensure your dog can't escape from your property.
"The stress of being worried by a dog can cause a pregnant ewe to miscarry or make it abandon its young lambs to die.
"Injuries and the loss of sheep cause a significant financial burden on farmers, and dog owners can face prosecution."
