TWO dogs have been shot dead after they killed a number of sheep at an East Renfrewshire farm.

At around noon on Monday, police received a report from a farmer that two dogs had been attacking and worrying sheep on his land.

Several sheep and their lambs were killed in the incident, which took place in the Newton Mearns area, while others suffered extensive injuries that required immediate attention from a vet.

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A police spokesman confirmed that the farmer had shot the two dogs, which have been identified as Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs.

He added that the owner of the dogs has been traced and an investigation is ongoing.

According to the National Sheep Association, under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, when a dog worries sheep on farming land, farmers are legally entitled to shoot the animal if it is said to be endangering their livestock.

Information on the association’s website states: “It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. Worrying includes attacking or chasing sheep and, in some circumstances, farmers can legally shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn is urging dog owners to keep their pets on a lead whilst walking near any farm animal.

He said: “Sheep worrying can often lead to sheep being killed or seriously injured as they try to flee, as they can run into fences or walls when panicked.

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“It is a big issue at any time of the year but more so during lambing season, when the sheep and lambs are more vulnerable.

“The stress that sheep incur whilst being chased can lead to them miscarrying and even death.

“If a sheep or lamb is caught by a dog, they often have to be put to sleep due to their injuries.

“We appreciate that the countryside is a great place to walk dogs but, as it is a dog’s natural instinct to chase, we would always recommend that dogs are kept on a lead near any farm animal.”

Police have also issued advice to those walking dogs near livestock.

A spokesperson said: “If you are found to be in this situation, please exit the field as soon as practically possible.

“Ensure that you are in control of your dog. Keep your dog on a lead when within a rural setting.

“If you witness a dog in a field where livestock are within and it appears to be chasing or attacking livestock, report the incident to police and, if possible, notify the closest farm.”

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was engineered as an attack dog for use in military operations by the Czechoslovak special forces.

The breed was later used in search and rescue, herding and other tasks.