Auchincrieve Farm said it was heartbroken to see the aftermath of a dog attack on a ewe in Aberdeenshire
A farm in Aberdeenshire has been left devastated after a ewe died from injuries sustained during a suspected dog attack.
Police Scotland North East said the attack had taken place on April 10 at a farm in Rothiemay, Huntly.
Officers confirmed the sheep had died as a result of its injuries during the incident.
Charles McCombie, of Auchincrieve Farm, said the thought of the ewe enduring an attack like this had left the family ‘heartbroken'.
"My son was the first to see what had happened," Mr McCombie added.
"There was just blood everywhere.
"The poor ewe's throat had been torn out.
"My wife was in tears.
"Seeing an animal you have welcomed into the world and cared for be killed in such a brutal manner is truly appalling.
"Her lambs have now mother.
"It is an increasing problem for farmers to contend with at a time when they have such an extensive list of problems including the weather, calving and lambing."
Mr McCombie said the ignorance of dog walkers had left him 'frustrated'.
"I doubt very much we will see justice for what happened," he adds.
"This has never happened to us before and I dread the impact of people it happens to time and time again.
"I think the pandemic has not helped in this respect.
"It comes down to poor ownership.
"I very much doubt the owners of the dog missed seeing it covered in blood.
"They will never come forward and the police said the likelihood of finding those responsible is very slim.
"There is the financial and emotional cost because of this dog's actions.
"It is another kick in the teeth to farmers and is deeply upsetting."
'Heavily' pregnant sheep attacked by dogs in Cheshire
The owners also said it had caused them upset that the ewe's lambs no longer had a mother.
An investigation has now been launched by officers to track down those responsible.
If you have any further information, please contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1545 of April 10 2024.
Farmers Guardian's Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, is an initiative to raise awareness surrounding the importance of keeping dogs on a lead when near livestock.
Free signs are available through Farmers Guardian which you can place around your farm to make dog owner's aware of taking the lead in the countryside.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
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