A Scots family have been left heartbroken after their puppy was shot and killed on a Fife farm following an incident of sheep worrying.
The pooch died just before 12pm on Tuesday on a farm in the Ballingry area.
In Scotland a landowner can shoot a dog on their land that is believed to be worrying their livestock, if they feel the dog would cause injury or suffering in any way to their animals.
Later that day a relative of the dog's owner shared a public post about the incident on social media.
Lorraine Daly Armstrong posted a photo of her sister's spaniel that was killed as a result of the traumatic event.
She wrote: "Just a warning to everyone walking their dog this wee precious spaniel lost his life today because he entered the field where sheep were.
"No, he didn't attack any sheep, he ran back to get his owner and was shot at twice, one straight in the head."
"I've been in back of police van today.
"It's heartbreaking for my sister to have witnessed this all happening, to see her one-year-old wee dog get shot.
"Please don't walk your pets near fields off a leash."
Police Scotland told the Daily Record that the dog was shot and killed as a result of sheep worrying.
Officers were called to the scene to carry out enquiries but no further action was required.
Sergeant John Nicol said: "Around 11.55am on Tuesday, March 23 police were made aware that a dog was shot and killed on a farm in the Ballingry area following an incident of sheep worrying.
"Officers attended to carry out enquiries and no further action was required."
Sgt Nicol urged dog owners to be mindful when walking with their pets near farmland and reminded locals of the devastation sheep worrying can cause.
He added: "Instances of sheep worrying cause a great amount of emotional distress and often substantial financial loss to farmers.
"And in this tragic case, the dog owners have also suffered personal heartache as a result of the attack.
"The lambing season has started and so anyone exercising their dogs should make sure they keep their pets on a lead and under close control when walking near livestock.
"A dog will not understand the consequences of its actions, however you do.
"Please remember that it is your dog and your responsibility."
