Dog walkers are being urged to keep their dogs under control in sheep fields as lambing season gets underway. Police and the RSPCA have issued warnings about sheep worrying, which may lead to dog walkers being sued up to £1000.
Sheep worrying occurs when a dog is either chasing or worrying a sheep to the point where it is 'reasonably expected' that the sheep will endure suffering or injury. It is more common in lambing season, which traditionally takes place from March to May.
The RSPCA has warned: "If your dog worries livestock you may end up being sued for compensation and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep."
