A MAN who allowed his dogs to terrorise a field of sheep, which resulted in some of them drowning, as been fined more then £12,000.

George Wiggans of Strawberry Fields, Hollybush admitted allowing his three German Shepherds to 'worry' 36 Texel Blackface sheep unsupervised within the field they were grazing and attack them on February this year.

The sheep were in a field adjacent to Peartree Cottage in Dalrymple farmed by a man in Logan. The 56-year-old appeared before Sheriff Scott Pattison at Ayr Sheriff Court last Friday.

The court heard how the value of the sheep which was £11,776 had been increased because some of them were pregnant.

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Frank Cannon, said: "My client has not been able to make any contact with the farmer at all.

"The farmer has never made any contact or attempted to make any contact. The gate had been left open and the dogs were able to enter where they found about 30 sheep.

"Sheep have tags which are like animal passports. There were 34 sheep in the field the day before. Some of them escaped into the river and drowned. There was no question of negligence on my client's part.

"His sole reason for being here is that they are his dogs. People from the town enter into the country and don't realise the rules. The dogs got out of the compound and caused so much damage."

Sheriff Scott Pattison said: "This is a strict liability offence."

Mr Cannon replied: "It is and it puts you and I in an awkward position. He has a clean record."

Sheriff Pattison continued: "This is a very concerning and troubling case. I think it is important that you compensate the farmer. Owners are responsible for their dogs."

Mr Wiggans has been fined £12,276 where £11,776 will be paid as compensation to the farmer for the damage caused.