Dog attacks on sheep have continued in the East Calder area despite warnings from police.
Councillor Carl John told the recent meeting of the East Livingston and East Calder Local Area Committee that some dog walkers ignored signs he had asked police for earlier in the year.
Councillor John blamed dog owners. He said: “They come to the top of Mansefield and let the dogs off, it’s not the dogs’ fault, it’s in their DNA to chase animals. It’s owners.
"Obviously an awful lot of dog owners can’t read.”
Councillor John first raised the issue in March.
Constable Ryan McCartney told the meeting: “We have had reports of sheep worrying. Several sheep were killed by an unknown dog, but we are following a positive line of enquiry about that.”
Dog owners are required to keep their animal on a short leash or under close control if they go into a field with sheep.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) defines keeping pets “under close control” as close at heel and responsive to your commands.
Local councils can impose dog control notices on dog owners if their pet has been involved in previous incidents.
In worst case scenarios, owners may lose their dogs.
The SOAC reminds dog owners that in some cases a farmer has the right to shoot a dog that is attacking their livestock.
