Police officers are appealing to local dog walkers to be mindful when walking through farmland following attacks on pregnant wild animals which proved fatal.

Female roe deer - most likely pregnant with twins - were found badly injured in the Inverkip area and had to be humanely killed after suffering injuries believed to have been caused by a dog attack.

Police Scotland have issued a reminder to local pet owners that it is a criminal offence to allow dogs to chase, harass, injure or kill any wild animal or livestock.

Such actions could result in potential fines of up to £40,000 or 12 months imprisonment in line with the recently announced amendment to the Protection of Livestock Scotland Bill.

PC James Quigg of Greenock police is keen to prevent such charges arising and hopes to educate and inform dog owners on the criminalities surrounding the actions.

PC Quigg told the Greenock Telegraph: "I think we need to be clear in our message - we have no issue with owners walking through the many amazing outdoor areas we have in Inverclyde.

"What we will not tolerate is owners allowing their pets to disturb wildlife - we ask them to always be mindful of surroundings.

"If you have to cut through a grazing field, keep your dog on the leash - owners should have their pets under close control.

"It's simple and prevents unnecessary stress and a fatal outcome."

PC Quigg says that dog owners must be especially mindful of sheep fields as it is very early in the lambing season.

He added: "During lockdown, we know lots more people have become pet owners, so this is just to help educate and inform, to prevent anything serious from happening.

"Each year we receive reports from farmers in areas such as Finnockbog in Inverkip, Kilmacolm and Lunderston Bay that lambs and sheep have been killed.

"Dogs aren't just 'being friendly' - they are following their natural instincts to hunt and kill."

The local officer is also keen to debunk myths surrounding countryside walking.

James, who oversees wildlife crime in the area, added: "Many people assume deer could outrun a dog, but if you consider the tough winter conditions they've just faced - and the fact they are pregnant - they don't have the energy.

"Owners of livestock can legally shoot a dog harassing or attacking sheep - we want to avoid this at all costs."

*To report incidents of wildlife crime, call Greenock police on 101.