Police urge dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead this bank holiday weekend

Devon and Cornwall Police have warned of an increase in livestock worrying this spring.

The fields around Honiton are full of lambs and calves but local police are worried about the impact of out of control dogs on local farm animals.

Livestock worrying is when a dog chases or attacks livestock such as sheep or cows. It is a criminal offence and it can cause great distress to livestock - which can miscarry their young through stress - and farmers, causing personal distress and financial implications.

Livestock worrying laws also cover llamas, donkeys and enclosed deer.

The police are urging members of the public to keep dogs on leads when visiting Devon's countryside this bank holiday.

Rural Affairs Officer for Devon & Cornwall Police, PC Chris Collins said: "We are hoping that by encouraging people to respect our countryside and communities this bank holiday we can also ensure responsible dog ownership and remind people of the law.

"All land is owned, and access is not a given right, so it is important that users of the countryside understand specific designations of land and 'rights of way'. For example, on land which is designated as 'access land' a dog must be on a lead between the 1 March and 31 July and at all times when livestock are present.

"Allowing dogs to chase or attack livestock is a criminal offence. Take notice of local signage, respect wildlife and any livestock around you, keeping your dog on a lead to protect livestock and ground nesting birds".

Convictions for livestock worrying carry a maximum fine £1,000 and the dog involved in the incident can be seized by the police.