Police are encouraging dog walkers to act responsibly while out with their dogs, particularly when around livestock.

The warning follows an incident in the Holbrook area on Saturday 28 August where a black cocker spaniel was being walked off the lead by a teenage girl.

The dog entered a field and chased some sheep in a nearby field leaving some of them exhausted and shocked.

If livestock are being worried by dogs it is a criminal offence. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their animals are kept under control and whilst it is appreciated that the vast majority do so, there are a few that are still not getting the message.

Sheep can die purely from being frightened and don't necessarily have to have physical contact from dogs.

This not only has an impact on the animals themselves but can also be distressing for the farmers as well as adversely affecting their business.

Dog owners also need to recognise that a dog's actions reflect on the owner and a lack of control is neglect, and the consequences of neglect is a potential ban on keeping dogs/animals in future, and may result in the handler getting a criminal record.

In order to avoid these situations arising, police would urge the public to take extra care when out and about and always ensure your dog is secured on a lead whenever you're near livestock.

A police spokesperson said: "We would ask that dog owners share this message with as many people as possible to get the message across.

"Police do take this type of offending seriously and we will investigate any offences that are reported to us."

Farmers are also entitled to shoot dogs they catch them in the act of worrying sheep.

Peninsula farmer warns he will shoot dogs

Brantham man convicted after dog mauls sheep.

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