Lambing will soon be underway across our rural areas and this is a particularly sensitive time for livestock. Even well-behaved dogs can cause serious distress, injury or death to sheep and lambs if they are not kept under close control.

• Keep dogs on a short lead when walking footpaths through or alongside fields containing livestock
• Remember that dog control applies even if sheep appear calm or are some distance away
• Remember however well trained a dog may be, the natural instinct to chase may be triggered unexpectedly when sheep or lambs are nearby.

Under UK law, farmers are legally entitled to protect their livestock. If a dog is worrying livestock and cannot be brought under control, a farmer may, as a last resort, lawfully shoot the dog to prevent further harm. Recent changes to legislation have also strengthened penalties for livestock worrying, including increased fines and the potential for dogs to be seized.

These are measures no one wishes to see used and they can be avoided entirely by responsible dog ownership.