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Dog walkers urged to act more responsibly during coronavirus lockdown; Police Scotland officers made the plea after reports of sheep worrying in the Highlands


By Philip Murray

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POLICE have urged dog walkers to show more responsibility when exercising during lockdown following incidents of sheep worrying.

Officers in the Highlands said the region's beautiful walks made it inevitable that people would end up on paths or in fields close to sheep and their lambs - but stressed that the public could and should take steps to minimise any stress among the livestock.

A spokesman said: "With an abundance of beautiful walks in the local area for everyone to enjoy their daily exercise, it is inevitable people will be venturing along paths and routes close to sheep and lambs.

"Enjoying our countryside must be coupled with the responsibility to keep dogs on a lead and under control at all times when close to livestock in addition to leaving all gates as you find them.

"A dog attacking, chasing or even being at large in a field where sheep are grazing can lead to significant injury or sadly the sheep being killed or later destroyed.

"Taking simple and sensible steps will hopefully avoid potentially devastating consequences for the animals involved in addition to the emotional and financial impact on our local farmers.

"Anyone who witnesses sheep worrying is advised to phone Police Scotland via 101."

The officers were highlighting the issue after the latest incident, which occurred close to the Speyside Way at Kincraig.

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