Dog owners urged to keep pets on leads near livestock

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With the lambing season looming Cheshire Police are urging dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead in the countryside after concerns from sheep farmer's over the number of incidents involving their livestock and dogs.

PC Walker said "If you walk your dog on public footpaths through land where there are livestock grazing and particularly sheep, please refrain from letting your dog off its lead. Even if your dog is well trained and has good recall please do not take any risks and keep it on a lead.

PC Walker added "Sheep carrying lambs can abort if they are worried by dogs. If the farmer finds a sheep which has been worried, injured or worst case scenario killed, this is extremely distressing for them and they also suffer a financial loss too.

"If you are found in charge of a dog which has been allowed to worry livestock you risk being arrested and prosecuted under The Protection of Livestock Act 1953.

"Cheshire Police view worrying of livestock very seriously.

"Please continue to enjoy the countryside but take precautions and maintain control of your dog at all times."

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