DOG owners are being urged to understand their responsibilities and the law following reports of livestock being badly injured and killed during the lambing season.

CLA South East, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses in the region, including the Isle of Wight, is offering advice to help avoid problems.

Livestock worrying can have serious effects on animals including stress, injury and abortion.

Sheep do not cope well with stressful situations and can die from shock, days after the event.

Rural adviser Megan Lock said: “We would advise owners to keep their dogs under close control when walking through fields of livestock, particularly sheep at this time of year, and to always stick to public rights of ways.

“If you live near land with livestock in it, ensure that you know where your dog is at all times, make sure your property is secure and check dogs can’t escape at any time.

“It is the owner’s responsibility to keep their dog under control and we are also raising awareness about the potential consequences of not doing so. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and a fine of £1,000 can be handed out.

“It is important that every instance of livestock worrying is reported to the police.”

Where a dog is in the act of worrying livestock and there is, or is likely to be serious damage to the livestock, call police on 999.

Alternatively, dial 101 to report an incident where the dogs are no longer present.

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