North-east dog owner admits sheep worrying offences

A man has admitted being in charge of two dogs which chased, attacked and killed a sheep.

Lesley Reid pleaded guilty by letter after his two German Shepherds worried livestock on Aldie Farm, Cruden Bay on March 16 this year.

Fiscal depute Lixia Sun told Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday that a farm worker had caught sight of the animals in a nearby field.

She said the staff member saw blood on one of the dog’s mouths and he used his own farm vehicle to scare them away.

Ms Sun said: “The locus is a farm in Cruden Bay and it is a livestock farm.

“At around 11.30am on March 16 a worker at the farm was ploughing a field next to the sheep.

“The worker became aware of dog in the field and the dog had blood round its mouth.

“The farm worker tried to scare the dog away with his tractor.

“The accused was at the bottom of the field and he grabbed both dogs. He was later traced and interviewed.

“One of the sheep died as a result of its injuries. The damage caused cost around £100.”

Sheriff Christine McCrossan deferred sentence on Reid, of Stirling, Peterhead, until October 2.