Dog owners warned over livestock concerns

DOG walkers are urged to take care when taking their pets through fields of livestock by Market Bosworth police.

The force posted a picture of a field of expectant ewes on its Facebook page, to draw attention to the potential for livestock worrying.

The post said: “I’m not confident that my dog wouldn’t distress these ladies - so I keep him on a lead all the time. “I also keep to the footpath. “Privately owned fields aren’t playgrounds for dog owners.

“The farmer here has put up her own signs reminding people to keep dogs on leads.

“She’s reported to me that some of the signs have been taken down.”

Even playful dogs can distress pregnant sheep and cause them to abort their lambs.

The police said it’s a real issue all across the country.

It said: “All too often we receive reports from livestock owners that their animals have been torn apart by dogs off leads and it’s a rare thing to see an owner taking responsibility.

“Please use the local footpaths and enjoy walking your dogs.

“But please be a responsible owner.

“Dogs on leads. Clean up after them.”

Leicestershire Police have previously reported cases of livestock being hurt or killed by dogs that were not kept on leads crossing farmers’ fields.