DOG owners are being urged to keep their pets under control after a case of sheep worrying.

The incident at Barns Ness, near Dunbar, has been reported to East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers.

The rangers took to social media to highlight the danger that dogs can pose to sheep.

They wrote: “The term 'sheep worrying' may not sound very serious but in fact it can be terrifying and fatal for the sheep and catastrophic for the farmer.

“Often the sheep suffer biting injuries which can be so serious they have to be put down.

“If a dog corners the sheep, they can become caught in fences or crushed.

“But even if the dog doesn’t make contact, the stress of being chased can kill them and pregnant ewes can abort.

“Not only is this horrific for the sheep, the financial implications can be disastrous for the farmer.

“Even the most docile and obedient of dogs can end up chasing after sheep.”

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code urges people to avoid going near sheep whenever possible.

If people need to access a field or come across sheep in a field, then dogs should be kept on a short lead or close at heel.

The rangers added: “It is important to be aware that farmers move sheep around and to be prepared for the unexpected.

“It is not worth the risk and, if your dog was caught worrying sheep by a landowner, the landowner is within their rights to shoot your dog.

“Your dog doesn’t know any better. Make sure you do.”