An appeal for information has been launched after the death of a sheep following a dog attack at Aberlady Nature Reserve. Dog owners are being reminded not to walk their pets at the reserve, which is off-limits for dogs. Aberlady Bay is the oldest Local Nature Reserve in Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust maintains a flock of sheep there for conservation grazing. The sheep used for this type of conservation grazing are Chevease – an unusual breed known for their hardiness and capability of maintaining their condition even on the poorest grazing. The sheep are used across central Scotland to protect and enhance important habitats such as species rich wildflower grasslands, raised bogs and coastal grasslands. At Aberlady Bay the sheep contribute towards maintaining a suitable habitat for breeding birds and protecting and enhancing the coastal habitats. One of these sheep was attacked by a dog some time towards the end of the first week in March and a vet has confirmed the animal died of its injuries a few days later – having previously been in good health. The injured sheep following the attack Dog walking is not allowed on Aberlady Nature Reserve. Rory Sandison, reserves manager – East Central Scotland – for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “We care deeply about the wellbeing of our livestock and the trust is appalled that one of our sheep was attacked and killed due to the reckless behaviour of the dog’s owner. “The trust and East Lothian Council want to reinforce the message that dogs are not allowed at Aberlady Bay and that people with dogs near grazing animals should adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. “Sheep are prey animals by nature and even the presence of a dog will cause stress. This can lead to them losing condition and can even cause pregnant ewes to abort their lambs. “The loss of this sheep has a financial cost to the trust of £250 and it is a criminal offence for anyone in charge of a dog to allow this to happen. "We would ask anyone with information regarding this distressing incident to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101.” Duncan Priddle, East Lothian Council countryside officer, said: “Irresponsible exercising of dogs on the reserve is neither wanted nor welcome. "When dogs kill sheep it is distressing. It angers not only the owners of the sheep but jeopardises the continuation of the conservation grazing scheme as a whole. "At Aberlady, we will actively intervene to request all dog owners exercise their dog at more suitable locations elsewhere in East Lothian.” The Scottish Outdoor Access Code can be accessed via the website www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot Key messages for dog walkers include:

• Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals.
• Don't take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.
• If you go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or under close control and keep as far as possible from the animals.
• If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field.

Source - http://www.eastlothiancourier.com