Dogs on leads plea by forum

Dog walkers in County Durham and elsewhere are being urged to play their part in helping to cut down the number of sheep attacks.

Letting canines off leads in inappropriate areas has proved fatal to sheep, lambs and other animals being farmed – and it has also led to dogs being destroyed, due to the vicious nature of the attacks.

As a result, County Durham Local Access Forum is asking dog owners to keep their animals on leads when in the countryside using the network of paths provided for their enjoyment.

A spokesman said: “We would urge all dog walkers to take care when exercising their dogs and be mindful of the possible consequences of a loose dog around a sheep flock.”