Cheshire Police rural crime team is urging dog owners to make sure they have control over their dogs when they are walking in the countryside over the Christmas period.
Despite advice given to keep dogs on leads, the team said 25 sheep have been killed in four separate incidents in the past month and three dogs have been shot because of the “unfolding shocking scenes”.
The team is urging dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead to prevent more livestock deaths, especially if they are in “unfamiliar territory” while visiting family or friends over Christmas.
PC Jim Clark said: “It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call.
“If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.
“Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.”
Clark said it is better to be safe than sorry by using a lead to control a dog.
“This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog’s actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.
“I’d simply urge owners – no matter how reliable you think your dogs are – keep dogs on a lead near livestock.
“We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit.”
