An "alarmingly high" number of incidents involving dogs attacking pregnant sheep have been reported across Dumfries and Galloway this week. Police are investigating after a number of ewes were killed, had to be put down, or lost their unborn lambs as a result of the attacks. They said any disturbance by dogs to the pregnant ewes at this "sensitive time of year" can result in miscarriage. Dog walkers have been urged to avoid farmland occupied by sheep, use leads and stick to marked paths. A statement posted online by Police Scotland read: "Officers are investigating an alarmingly high number of incidents across Dumfries and Galloway where dogs have attacked and seriously injured pregnant sheep over the last week, several resulting in the animals having to be humanely destroyed or losing their unborn lambs.