Dog owners are being warned that their animal could be killed if it is found to be in the presence of sheep, even if it is not chasing them or has physically attacked them.
The warning comes at the start of a campaign launched this week by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, in conjunction with Police Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, NFUS, Scottish Land and Estates and the Kennel Club, to raise awareness among dog owners about the devastating effects of livestock worrying.
The campaign seeks to highlight to dog owners who live in or walk their dogs in the countryside that they must act responsibly and keep their dogs under close control.