The Scottish Government has been urged to install CCTV cameras at sheep-shearing operations across the country after workers were said to have "punched, stamped and beat" animals.

Campaign group PETA Asia has sent a letter to Scotland's rural affairs minister Mairi Gougeon, after obtaining footage showing abuse at 24 farms in Scotland.

Scottish SPCA inspectors were to visit several of the farms accused of the abuse.

Workers in the footage are said to have struck terrified sheep in the face with electric clippers, slammed their heads into the floor as well as beating and kicking them while throwing them off shearing trailers.

PETA Asia senior vice-president Jason Baker said: "The wool industry is trying to dismiss accusations of cruelty after workers were caught violently abusing sheep, but don't be fooled by its crocodile tears.

"This is the second wool investigation we've conducted in the UK this year, and what we've found is standard practice.

"The industry simply can't justify or even explain away the documented abuse."

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn added: "We can confirm we will be launching a full investigation into the alleged animal abuse at wool farms across Scotland.

"This investigation will involve visiting multiple farms."

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.