DOG OWNERS have been urged to understand their responsibilities to help prevent livestock being killed during lambing season.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said that livestock worrying can have serious effects on animals including stress and injury.
Sheep do not cope well with stressful situations and can die from shock days after the event.
CLA South East regional director Tim Bamford said advised owners to keep their dogs under close control when walking through fields of livestock 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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Bamford said that livestock worrying is a criminal offence that can lead to £1,000 fines.
When a dog is worrying livestock and there is, or is likely to be serious damage, residents can call 999.
