A PATNA man has been ordered to pay compensation after his lurcher killed a sheep.

Kyle Malone, 28 of Main Street, Patna, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week after the dog killed the animal and he was then found in possession of a blade at Shankston Farm back in July.

At 6.50am on July 5 a farm worker who was herding sheep noticed Malone wandering across the next field.

Malone was walking with his dog.

The dog ran towards the sheep and attacked one of them as the farm worker screamed at it to go away. Malone also shouted after the pet.

Upon inspection the worker noticed puncture marks on the ewe's neck as the dog went on to chase other sheep.

The worker told Malone that the dog needed to be put down, to which he replied: "The dog will not be getting put down."

The farm worker then went in hot pursuit of the lurcher, cornering it after chasing it on his quad bike. They then found another sheep lying dead in the field with puncture wounds to its throat.

Apologetic Malone then offered to pay for the damage caused by the animal. When the farm worker refused and instead told him that he was calling the police Malone became irate and tried to free the dog.

When police arrived on the scene the searched Malone and discovered that he was in possession of a seven inch hunting knife which was strapped across his chest.

Solicitor Steven Maxwell told the court: "Mr Malone has attempted to get in contact with the farmer since the incident but has been unsuccessful."

The court also heard how the pet pooch is now staying with Malone's grandmother.

Sheriff John Montgomery ordered Malone to pay £150 to farmer, Alexander Dunn, in damages and admonished him on another charge of carrying the blade.

As a parting shot, Sheriff Montgomery blasted Malone, saying: "Do you still own the dog? Keep it under control."