A lamb has died as a result of an attack from a pet dog on the loose in a field in Hunterston.

Several other lambs were injured during the incident.

The owner of the dog involved, a 57-year-old Largs woman, has been charged with an offence under the Protection of Livestock Act.

Officers in North Ayrshire sought to remind dog owners that lambing season is underway and to ensure that their pets are kept under control following the incident in Hunterston on Sunday, February 7.

PC Cuthbert of Saltcoats Police office said: “A dog attacking, chasing or even being at large in a field where sheep are kept can lead to significant injury and often unfortunately leads to the sheep being killed or destroyed. Such attacks have a financial and emotional impact on the farmer and cause immense suffering to the animals and are avoidable if dog owners follow some simple steps.

“We are reminding all dog owners of the requirement to ensure dogs are properly controlled and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which advises that dogs shouldn’t be taken into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.

“We treat all reports of livestock worrying seriously, ensuring all reported cases of sheep worrying are thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

If you see or hear anything suspicious please get in touch, call 101 for non-emergencies and in an emergency call 999.