The police says that a 47-year-old woman has been charged and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal following an incident in the Netherley area at around 11am which involved a Husky-type dog. The incident resulted in the death of five sheep as well as injuries to several other sheep.

The statement goes on to say that a 24-year-old woman has also been charged and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal following a second separate sheep-worrying incident at around 12pm in the Stonehaven area.  No sheep were killed as a result of this incident however they were chased and distressed by a Gordon Setter-type dog.

PC Liam Mercer said: “Sheep-worrying type incidents obviously have a financial impact on the farmers as well as causing distress to the other animals.

“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 that they have proper control of their dogs.

“Anyone with concerns or information regarding a sheep-worrying incident should contact police on 101.”

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A campaign was launched on 1 February by Police Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, NFU Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates, The National Sheep Association and the Kennel Club, to raise awareness among dog owners about the effects of livestock-worrying.

The campaign runs until the end of May and seeks to highlight to dog owners who live in or walk their dogs in the countryside that they must act responsibly, keep their dogs under close control and avoid going into fields where livestock is grazing.

The campaign leaflet can be viewed hers: http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/access/Dog%20campaign%20Owners%20Leaflet%20(Jess%20the%20Dog).pdf