A young farmer said last night it was “soul destroying” to kill one of his own animals after a dog attack left nearly a dozen sheep for dead.
Lawrence Hensley moved away from his family farm last year to make it on his own.
But last week, the 27-year-old was dealt a blow when he discovered eight of his lambs had been killed by a dog.
Mr Hensley, of Thorax Farm, near Aberchirder, had to kill another to prevent it from suffering, and another two sheep later died.
Police are now investigating the incident, and urged anyone who was in the area – including all dog owners and those walking their pets – to come forward.
He said he was still missing some pairs, and although the loss of income – about £700 – is a blow, he is more disappointed he was unable to protect his animals.
He accepted it will be hard to find someone to blame for the incident unless the dog returns, something he fears it might do because it has had “the taste of blood”.
Mr Hensley, whose family have farmed in the area for 15 years, added: “It’s hard unless you actually catch the dog, we won’t know who it was.
“People understand that this is a livelihood and that it’s hard enough to start up these days. It’s a loss of income, but it’s not about that. It’s your job to look after your animals.
“This is something you’ve worked for the whole year, and to have to kill one yourself is quite soul destroying.
“I’m going to have to get dog insurance now. Normally if a dog gets the taste of blood it’ll do it again.”
The incident at Thorax Farm came on the same day as the National Sheep Association (NSA) teamed up with the Scottish SPCA to launch a nationwide campaign to crackdown on sheep worrying.
Alongside that initiative, Mr Hensley hopes dog owners will take heart.
“People need to keep their dogs under control,” he said.
“They need to make sure their pens are secure and can’t get out.”
Sergeant Clark urged people to keep their dogs under control, and said: “It is in every dogs instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient and good with other animals.
“It’s important we all recognise the devastating consequences of a dog attacking, chasing or even being at large in a field where sheep are kept.
“When enjoying the countryside, especially if there’s sheep or lambs around, dogs are recommended to be kept on a lead or at the very minimum, under close control.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.