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Dog owners charged after attacks on sheep

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Five sheep died following attacks in the village

Two dog owners have been arrested and charged over sheep worrying offences in Easter Ross.

Several sheep were seriously injured and five later died in an incident last month near a school in Hilton, near Balintore.

A joint investigation between Police Scotland and the Highland Council led to the arrests of a 33-year-old man and 32-year-old woman.

Owners of three dogs have been served with dog control notices (DCNs) by the council with conditions including keeping dogs on a lead.

Police Sgt Mike Gaillie said failure to keep animals under control can result in substantial fines or a prison sentence.

He said: "It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is on a lead and under control when livestock is present.

"The damage and distress caused not just to the animals, but the farming business is considerable."