A Scottish village north of Inverness has been terrorised by a pack of dogs.
Residents of Hilton are reportedly scared to leave their homes, with some parents even refusing to send their children to school.
A series of incidents involving the animals have occurred over the past several weeks.
The first incident occurred on October 29, at Balintore Farms.
Director Roderick MacKenzie said: “One ewe was killed, one lamb had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries and three lambs required veterinary intervention of antibiotics and painkillers due to the injuries suffered round the throat and neck area.”
He added that he managed to secure the dogs in his Land Rover and handed them over to Police Scotland.
More sheep at the farm were attacked on November 6th, resulting in the death of three ewes. On November 10, three dogs were seen approaching the property but did not reach the field.
MacKenzie said: “I believe that if the dogs break out again and have enough time, it is very likely they will return to where they did the damage before. This has caused me and others involved with the farm a lot of stress and worry."
Several dogs have also been accused of fatally mauling sheep at Easter Ross farm and intruding into residents private property.
Local resident David Skinner told the Press and Journal: “They were up at my sister’s in the garden… growling at my sister’s neighbour.”
“It’s unbelievable what’s happening. People can’t go out, the bairns can’t go out and a lot of them are not going to school. My friend is blind and is scared to walk the roads.”
A spokeswoman for Highland council said it served dog control notices on two owners after the attacks on Balintore farms.
She said the notice contains conditions ensuring the owners keep their pets under control by keeping them on a lead when walked.
She added: “Ultimately if a court considers that a dog is dangerous it may make an order for the dog’s destruction.”
Police Scotland are working with Highland council to monitor and check compliance with the dog control notices.
Two people have already been charged in connection with sheep-worrying incidents in Easter Ross.
Calum Smith, Chief Inspector of Police Scotland’s northeast division, said: “We are aware of ongoing concerns in the community regarding these dogs. Officers are liaising with a range of partners to address and resolve the situation.”
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