POLICE have issued a warning to dog owners in Tweeddale after an attack on livestock resulted in the animal having to be put down.

The incident occurred in Innerleithen on Tuesday, February 28 between 1.30pm and 4.30pm, in which a dog owner allowed their pet to enter a sheep paddock.

The dog attacked one of the sheep, causing injuries that were so severe that the sheep had to be put down. 

In the last month, Police have revealed that a further three incidents have occurred in the area.

The attacks have had a financial and emotional impact on the farmer and are avoidable if dog owners follow some simple steps.

In a statement by Police Scotland, they said: "The advice to anyone walking and exercising their dogs in the countryside is to ensure that they are under control at all times and avoid going into fields where livestock are grazing.

"The Scottish Outdoor Access Code says that dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields where there are lambs or other young farm animals.

"Farmers and those who use the countryside are urged to report all incidents of livestock worrying to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Police Scotland will enforce the existing legislation robustly, ensuring all reported cases of sheep worrying are thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the Procurator Fiscal."

An appeal has also launched for anyone with information regarding this incident to get in contact with PC Nicola Robb at Peebles Police Station on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.