Cases of livestock worrying have soared across the north of Scotland, new figures have revealed.
The number of reported incidents has surged by more than 50% across the country, with the majority of offences taking place in Aberdeenshire, the Highlands and Islands, as well as Lanarkshire.
The news follows a national police campaign during the spring months to try and tackle rural crime during lambing season.
In just under 80% of incidents, livestock were either killed or injured. More than half of the offences involved a dog roaming free without an owner present.
In the majority of cases, police traced the dog owners and they have now been reported to the procurator fiscal.
Last month, five sheep died following an attack at Parkhead Farm in Maryculter, Aberdeenshire.
And in April, a 21-year-old man was charged after 12 lambs were killed and others injured in an alleged attack at Holmhead Farm, Bucksburn, Aberdeen.
Last night, police revealed that, prior to the campaign’s launch, farmers had been reluctant to come forward.
Inspector Jane Donaldson, rural crime co-ordinator, said: “Livestock worrying has previously been under-reported.
“Farmers were often reluctant to report incidents to police, particularly where there was a ‘near miss’ and no physical damage was done to their livestock.
“A significant part of the spring campaign was to get this message out to farmers and encourage them to report all incidents and I think this is reflected in the increase in reported crimes.
“More accurate reporting has improved our understanding of the problem, increasing intelligence about the how, where and why these incidents are occurring.”
Officers have reminded dog owners to ensure their animals are under control at all times and avoid going into fields where livestock are grazing.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code advises that dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields where there are lambs or other young farm animals.
Anyone who is aware of livestock worrying is urged to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
