AVON and Somerset Police are urging dog owners to keep their pets under control during lambing season.

They said that all dog walkers should "follow the country code" and keep their pets on leads whilst in fields with livestock.

PC Katy Drabble, from the Rural Crime Team, explained that people often don’t realise the devastation caused by sheep worrying.

She said: “In addition to the impact of actual dog attacks, sheep are highly-strung animals and in lambing season any stress caused to a pregnant ewe can cause them to lose their lambs.”

It is estimated that over 18,500 livestock were killed or injured in dog attacks in 2015, according to the National Farmers Union Mutual (NFU Mutual).

As well as being costly to farmers, these often fatal attacks are extremely upsetting for those dealing with the aftermath, according to PC Drabble.

She said: “If your dog is found to be responsible for sheep worrying then as its owner you could find yourself with a large vet bill, prosecution and the strong possibility of your dog being destroyed as a result.”

“We don't want that to happen and we don't want anyone to lose a much loved family pet, so please keep them on the lead.”

She explained that even dogs that are "placid and friendly" can be unpredictable when faced with a field of livestock.

“It’s simply not worth taking the risk. Keep your dog on a lead and away from livestock," she said. 

Avon and Somerset Police issued the following guidelines for dog owners:

•Always check for livestock in fields when walking your dog/s.

•Always make sure you shut gates behind you.

•When in fields with livestock, it is vital that your dog/s are kept on a lead and under control at all times. The only time you should release your dog is in the event of being chased by cattle. By restraining the dog in this circumstance you are putting yourself at risk of being injured by the cattle.

•If you live near livestock and own a dog/s make sure that your property and garden are secure so your pets cannot escape.