Police are hunting a culprit who butchered a sheep in an Ayrshire field.
The sheep was found killed and professionally butchered in a Stewarton field.
The incident is thought to have happened between 8am on February 6 and 1pm on February 9.
Officers have described the incident as “very distressing” and are looking for anyone with information to come forward.
The sheep that has been killed was one-year old female Texel weighing approximately 70kgs with a value of about £250.
Police Inspector Ian Harvey of Kilmarnock Police Station said: "We take these types of incidents very seriously and understand the impact this will have on the animals and the farmers.
“This a very distressing incident and I would appeal for anyone who has information or know who was responsible, to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 1442 of 10 February.”
