A Midlothian man has shared a shocking photo of a lamb killed by an out of control dog amid warnings over a spike in attacks during lockdown.
Ryan Dyer slammed irresponsible dog owners after a one-day-old lamb on his family's farm, in Gorebridge, was attacked by a husky.
Warning: this article contains a graphic image.
Sharing a photo of the dead lamb with a bite wound, he said: "I know there is people on here that believe they can walk their dog off the leash and believe me when I say you can’t.
"This is the evidence to that, please walk your dog on a lead when going through farms or small holdings, even if there’s a fence between you and the animals."
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Ryan explained that even well-behaved dogs can turn vicious when confronted with livestock.
"People need to know that even the best trained dog in the world when confronted with the sound of a crying lamb can instinctively attack.
"Good owners always put the dogs on a lead whenever they are anywhere near livestock", he added.
According to the Scottish SPCA, there has been a "worrying rise in attacks on wildlife and livestock" since lockdown came into effect.
Urging owners to "keep your dog on a lead and under control at all times", they said: "We also have concerns about dogs running off and becoming lost as there are limits to those able to look for them.
"Dog warden services have been suspended and we do not have the resources to search for missing animals just now."
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Amy Stirton said: “Pandemic or not, people should not let their dog off-lead if they cannot control them.”
“I have now attended two deer in as many weeks which have been brought down by dogs.
“I have also attended incidents of fox cubs which have been lifted by dogs in parks. The owners then mistakenly take the cub home before calling us.
“We would never recommend moving an animal unless it was in immediate danger."
