The owners of Ardneil Farm in North Ayrshire have made a public appeal for dog walkers to keep their pets on a leash after an unleashed dog killed one sheep and chased approximately 130 others onto rocks near the sea. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the flock, which had been grazing in a field between Portencross and Hunterston for just over a week, was attacked by a dog whose owners were walking it without restraint.
Euan Jack, who manages the farm, received an alert from a neighbour on Sunday afternoon that sheep were being chased around the field. When he arrived at the scene, one animal had already sustained severe injuries. Despite efforts to save it, the sheep died from wounds inflicted during the attack. The injured animal had its ear pulled off and suffered puncture wounds around its neck.
The farm places large signs throughout the grazing area each year requesting that visitors keep their dogs on a leash during the six-week period when livestock is present. Jack explained that the two dog walkers involved told him they had not noticed these warnings.
How did the sheep respond to the attack?
The majority of the 130-strong flock fled to rocks leading out to sea during the half-hour chase. Some animals became trapped between the rocks, while others sustained injuries or experienced severe distress as they scrambled to escape. So far, only the one sheep has died, though others remain at risk from stress-related illness or complications from injuries sustained while fleeing, according to Frances Jack, Euan's mother.
Several members of the public witnessed the incident and called the farm after hearing shouting. Another dog walker crossed the field with an unleashed dog while the Jacks were still dealing with the aftermath of the attack, highlighting the ongoing nature of the problem at this popular walking location.
Why is this a broader concern for farmers?
The incident reflects a wider problem affecting Scottish agriculture. According to Scottish Government research, 14% of sheep farmers surveyed had experienced dogs attacking or chasing sheep in the previous year, with those farmers reporting an average of 3.5 incidents each. In 2024, Scotland recorded 144 livestock-worrying incidents, down from 193 in 2023, though the government does not collect specific figures for livestock killed by dogs.
Last year, insurers NFU Mutual called for dog walkers to be more responsible ahead of the lambing season, estimating that £330,000 worth of farm animals had been killed or severely injured by dog attacks in 2025.
What do the farm owners say about responsibility?
Euan Jack emphasised that the problem stems not from the dog itself but from the failure of its owners to control it.
We just want people to know this is what can happen. You hear every time something like this happens 'oh, it isn't like him, we can't believe it' and people just assume their dog won't do anything. But it's the dog's natural instinct. It's not its fault, but it needs to be on a leash. This isn't just for us, it's something dog walkers should be aware of in general.
Frances Jack noted that the dog owners were upset and shaken by the incident and indicated they wanted to make amends. The family does not blame the dog but holds its owners responsible for failing to keep it under control. She also observed that the dog owners were unable to get near their dog during the chase, demonstrating how quickly a situation can escalate once an unleashed animal begins pursuing livestock.
The farm's usual practice involves buying in store lambs each year around this time to fatten up over approximately six weeks until early December, when they are sold. The field between Portencross and Hunterston is a popular spot for dog walkers, which is why the farm places signs requesting that dogs be kept on a leash whenever livestock is present.
Key Facts
- One sheep was killed and approximately 130 others chased onto rocks by an unleashed dog on Sunday afternoon at Ardneil Farm
- The farm displays signs requesting dog walkers keep their pets on a leash, but the dog owners involved said they had not seen them
- Multiple witnesses called the farm after hearing shouting, and another unleashed dog crossed the field during the incident
- Scottish Government data shows 14% of sheep farmers experienced dog attacks or chasing in the previous year, with an average of 3.5 incidents per affected farm
- Insurers estimated £330,000 worth of farm animals were killed or severely injured by dog attacks in 2025
