A police investigation has been launched after a dog died in an incident on the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road near Fochabers.
Vets and emergency services were called to the scene near the Spey Bay roundabout on Friday afternoon.
It is believed the dog somehow fell from the boot of the car and then became entangled in its lead.
The animal was taken to a nearby vets where it was pronounced dead.
Police have now confirmed an investigation has been launched into the Fochabers incident.
Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Marc Macrae said: “To say I was shocked when I heard about the incident last Friday would be an understatement, having two dogs in my own household I was horrified to learn that the poor dog had died from its injuries.
“It would be wrong to speculate further at this time whilst the police carry out their investigations into what I would hope was the result of a very tragic accident.”
Constable Tomas Spracklen said: “At around 2.40pm on Friday, April 1, police were called to the B9104 Spey Bay road at the A96 near Fochabers, following a report of a dog being injured after an incident involving a car.
“The dog was taken to Fochabers Veterinary Centre, where it was pronounced dead. Inquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing.”