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Dog owners charged after attacks on sheep

Generic image of a sheep with a black-speckled face standing in a fieldImage source, Getty Images
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Five sheep died following attacks in the village

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Two dog owners have been arrested and charged over sheep worrying offences in Easter Ross.

Several sheep were seriously injured and five later died in an incident last month near a school in Hilton, near Balintore.

A joint investigation between Police Scotland and the Highland Council led to the arrests of a 33-year-old man and 32-year-old woman.

Owners of three dogs have been served with dog control notices (DCNs) by the council with conditions including keeping dogs on a lead.

Police Sgt Mike Gaillie said failure to keep animals under control can result in substantial fines or a prison sentence.

He said: "It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is on a lead and under control when livestock is present.

"The damage and distress caused not just to the animals, but the farming business is considerable."

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