Farmer left devastated after newborn lamb killed by sick air-rifle thugs

A Scots farmer has hit out at sick thugs with an air rifle who shot one his lambs to death.

During the attack at Beoch Farm, Dalmellington in Ayrshire yesterday, the lamb was killed and a ewe was seriously injured.

Farmer Jock Welsh has taken to social media, sharing gruesome images of the aftermath.

He said around three or four men in a red van fired pellets into the helpless animals.

A lamb was killed in the attack (Facebook)

He also took pictures of the van and has appealed for information.

Jock wrote: "Today we had different problems to what you would normally get at lambing time!

"Three or four men in a red van were out and about with a air rifle and managed to kill the lamb after firing about seven or eight pellets into it and the ewe was badly injured with again, a lot of pellets into it.

Another sheep was also shot around the eyes (Facebook)

"So please anyone that has seen this van going about the Dalmellington, Bellsbank, Patna area please try and get a registration and get in touch with either me or the police."

harrowing images show injuries to the eyes of the ewe while the lamb lies dead.

The post has since been shared hundreds of times with outraged locals commenting on incident.

One wrote: "This is heartbreaking how can people do this to any creature."

Jock took a picture of a red van involved too (Facebook)

Another said: "Absolutely disgusting, poor wee animals. Can't see any enjoyment they get out of this! I hope they get their comeuppance!!!!!"

And a third person wrote: "Honestly cannot fathom how you could do something like this. Must be one set of sick evil human beings. World would be better without them."

Police have confirmed a probe has been launched into the shooting.

A spokesman said: "Officers in Ayrshire are investigating the shooting of sheep in the Dalmellington area.

"The incident, in which a lamb was shot dead and a ewe sustained serious injuries having been shot, happened around 4.20pm on Sunday, 3 May, at Beoch Farm, Loch Doon, Dalmellington."

Inspector Christine Boyd, of Galston Police Station, said: “We believe those involved drove off in a red Ford Escort van and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen this van to contact police.

“Our officers will be patrolling the area and carrying out further enquiries into the incident.”