Search for owners after dog chases sheep to death

A hunt has been launched to trace the owners of an out-of-control dog that caused a sheep and lamb to drown in a loch on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Police have issued an appeal for information after reports that a reddish-brown dog, possibly a spaniel or retriever, was seen chasing sheep in the Pentland Hills on Saturday afternoon.

The terrified ewe fled into the Glencorse reservoir to escape the dog, but later drowned.

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It’s thought the lamb, which has not been found, suffered the same fate.

Police are trying to trace a man and a woman whose dog chased a sheep and lamb, causing them to drown in a reservoir in the Pentland HillsPolice are trying to trace a man and a woman whose dog chased a sheep and lamb, causing them to drown in a reservoir in the Pentland Hills
Police are trying to trace a man and a woman whose dog chased a sheep and lamb, causing them to drown in a reservoir in the Pentland Hills

Officers are now looking to speak to a man and a woman who were seen with the dog, as well as another man thought to have witnessed the incident.

They are also urging anyone who was in the area at the time and might have seen anything to come forward.

The man seen with the dog is described as white, 6ft tall with a skinny build and short red hair, wearing dark clothing. The female, also white, about 5ft 4in tall with a medium build and shoulder-length dark. She was dressed in a red/pink top and blue jeans.

Midlothian Police said: “We believe there were a large number of walkers at this location at the time of the incident and people fishing at Glencorse reservoir, along with a drone operating in the area, who may have information that can assist us with our enquiries.

“Additionally we wish to trace a male who is described as white, with dark short hair, late 20s, medium build with a Northern Irish accent and wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, who spoke with the dog owners and may be able to assist with police enquiries.”

The appeal comes following a spate of similar incidents in the area, which is popular for walking and other outdoor activities.

Rangers at Pentland Hills Regional Park have urged owners to keep their pets under control at all times, warning that dogs causing a threat to livestock may be killed.

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They said: “There has been an unusual increase in the number of sheep attacked by dogs in the Pentland Hills, especially in the Flotterstone area.

“We urge the public to keep their dogs on leads unless they are 100 per cent confident that they will not be distracted by, chase or attack sheep.

“The Flotterstone area has suffered up to three attacks on sheep per week in recent months, with injured, drowned and dead animals resulting.

“We urge the public to call police immediately if they witness an attack.

“Farmers can and will shoot dogs which chase or attack sheep.”

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