Torr Farm, lost two lambs in the Spring and last week the farm was targeted again as another ewe was killed by a dog.

The Advertiser reported the previous incident, and owner Janey Colquhoun put up notices to ask dog walkers to keep their dogs on a lead going through the right of way field between the two gates on her land.

The top gate leads into the forestry area were dogs can run free, but before they get to the second gate, dogs must be kept on a lead to avoid any animals being attacked.

The two-year-old ewe mauled had two crops of lambs and would have continued to breed for a further two years.

Mary Fisher, Dumbarton and Kilpatrick branch secretary of NFU Scotland, told the Advertiser: “The animal was attacked by the dog and her cheeks mauled off and her rear end mauled too. A very vicious attack and the animal must have suffered tremendously during the attack.

“The dog owner must have witnessed the attack – why would the owner not have intervened?

“The Access code tells people to take responsible access into the countryside and to keep their dogs under control whilst walking through land that has livestock there.

“This is a farmer’s business premises and their livelihood. Farmers are devastated to see their livestock attacked in such a horrendous way.

“There is also a charge for a farmer to have his dead livestock disposed of and the loss of income form the animal for the next two years. However, it is the horrific nature of the attack that is so stressful to the animal and so horrifying and sickening for the farmer.” According to NFU Scotland, incidents of sheep worrying are growing with more farmers across the country seeing their livestock distressed, hurt or killed by dogs.

Mary added: “Our plea is to keep your dog under control. If it doesn’t come back automatically when you call, then don’t let it off the leash. We don’t want to stop people going out to enjoy the countryside, however we need to make sure that they are being responsible.

“By following the simple messages in the Scottish Outdoor Access code that require dogs to be kept under close control in the countryside, these distressing incidents can hopefully be avoided.”