A Scottish farmer and his family have been left heartbroken after discovering utter ‘carnage’ in one of their fields, where 16 newborns lambs they were found dead. The incident took place at Blairadam Farm in Kelty on April 3, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and at least one dog is believed to have been responsible for the attack.
Farmer Stuart McDougall, 43, recounted the “hellish” sight he encountered with his two daughters, who were left traumatized by the incident.
told the Daily entry: “There were lambs that were still gutted and with their entrails hanging out.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.
“They had broken legs, lacerations all over their bodies, their chest cavities had been crushed, and they had been torn from their mothers. Six were killed on the spot, but 10 had to be euthanized. We expect more to die in the coming days if they contract infections.
“The oldest ones were three days old, some were literally 24 hours old. It’s just horrible.”
“The emotional devastation it has caused to the farm and to us is enormous. I couldn’t sleep a wink last night and my youngest son was up all night crying.”
“Every time I’ve gone to the lambs and mother with my sheepdog, they just break down because they’re so traumatized.”
Stuart is a tenant farmer and owns a herd of 400 sheep on land next to Blairadam Forest.
He raises pedigree lambs that are then sold for breeding purposes.
The current estimated value of the destruction caused by the attack is approximately £7,000.
“There was an incident 8 years ago where my lambs were attacked by a dog, but it was nothing like this and the owner took responsibility,” he continued.
“This was such a frenzied attack, they just went from one lamb to the next. Based on the evidence we have from the vet, it’s a big dog that hurt them.”
“The dog has mauled them to death and the owner has just left. How could you do that? They should be ashamed and horrified with themselves.”
“I have no problem with people who enjoy the outdoors, but are responsible for their pets, wildlife and livestock around them.
“This is our livelihood, I have no other form of income due to a spinal injury a couple of years ago. It’s all we have.”
Police are urging anyone with information and witnesses to come forward to help them with the investigation.
Inspector Stephen Gray said: “Investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and we are calling on anyone with information to come forward.
“Calving season has begun and worry can cause ewes stress that can cause them to lose their lambs, as well as injuries that can lead to their death.
“All of this comes at a considerable cost to farmers.
“Dog owners could face prosecution if their dog attacks livestock, so we urge them to keep dogs on a leash when walking near livestock and ensure they do not run or escape into fields on their own.
“I ask all dog owners to be considerate. Remember it’s your dog and your responsibility to keep them under control.”
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are very saddened to hear about the death of 16 lambs after a dog attack in Fife. This was a terrible incident that caused tremendous suffering.
“We always try to remind people that the lambs and calves are being born at this time of year and the public should keep their distance. Getting too close to cows and sheep can cause them to panic, which can lead to injury or even miscarriage for pregnant mothers.
“Please, if you are near farmland, keep your dog on a leash. No matter how obedient you think they are, animals can surprise us and change our minds on a whim.
“Worrying about livestock is a crime and attacks are the responsibility of the dog owner, resulting in fines of up to £40,000 or 12 months in prison. If you see any livestock that you are concerned about, please report it to Police Scotland.
“If we take responsibility for our actions and those of our pets and respect farmers’ land, these tragic attacks can be prevented.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, citing incident number 1580 on Monday 3 April 2023.