A total or 20 ewes and their unborn lambs have been killed during recent weeks, sparking an appeal from Largs Police.

Officers are appealing to dog owners to ensure that their pets are kept under control following reports of a number of sheep worrying incidents reported in the Skelmorlie area.

Between the 31st March and 23rd April approximately 20 ewes and their unborn lambs were killed on farmland near to Skelmorlie by dogs not under control.

PC Ross Pollard of the North Coast and Cumbrae Locality Policing Team based at Largs Police Office said: “Police are presently conducting local enquiries to trace those responsible and I would ask that if you have any information about these acts or have witnessed them to come forward quoting incident 0489 of the 25th of April 2018.

“A dog attacking, chasing or even being at large in a field where sheep are kept can lead to significant injury and often unfortunately leads to the sheep being killed or destroyed. Such attacks have a financial and emotional impact on the farmer and cause immense suffering to the animals and are avoidable if dog owners follow some simple steps.

“We are reminding all dog owners of the requirement to ensure dogs are properly controlled and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which advises that dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.

“We treat all reports of livestock worrying seriously, ensuring all reported cases of sheep worrying are thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

If you see or hear anything suspicious please get in touch, call 101 for non-emergencies and in an emergency call 999. For advice on keeping rural communities safe please visit our website: