Cow dies after dog attack in Barra

The animal had to be put down because if its injuries.

By Chris Cromar

September 28 2024, 11:19 am

Police said livestock attacks have a "real impact". Image: Police Scotland.

Police are urging dog owners to keep “full and proper control” of their pets after a cow was killed in Barra.

The incident happened on a croft in Eolingarrybetween 7pm on September 16 and 9.30am on September 17.

Police in the Western Isles are appealing for witnesses after the cow had to be put down due to the “severity” of its injuries.

Dog owners are also being reminded to stick to the rules while walking them in rural areas across the Highlands and islands, with police saying attacks on livestock have a “real impact” on crofting communities.

Isle of Barra. — The Isle of Barra, like much of the Highlands and islands, has lots of areas used for livestock.

Police say dogs should be under “full and proper control” if being walked in an area where livestock, including all crofts and machair grazing, are located nearby.

If dog owners cannot keep their pets under this type of control, they should be kept on a lead when livestock are nearby, officers say.

In a Facebook post, Police said: “Dog attacks on livestock have a real impact on the island crofting communities and can be easily avoided by dog owners taking simple measures to prevent crofters’ livestock being worried, chased or attacked.”