East Lothian crime news: Police issue warning after receiving reports of sheep worrying

Dog owners have been warned that farmers have the right to shoot their pets if they are threatening sheep.

In a statement online, police said that they had received reports of incidents in the country where sheep have been killed, and others have aborted their lamb after being chased by a dog.

They continued: “If your dog is seen to be attacking/worrying livestock, the farmer is within their rights to shoot it, and if convicted, you are likely to receive up to 12 months in prison, up to a £40,000 fine or both.

“Always be wary if walking your dog in the countryside, and keep it on a lead if near livestock, as a dog’s instinct is to chase.

“Livestock attacks not only cause unnecessary suffering to the animals but damage the livelihood of our farmers.”

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