Resident,

You might trust your dog at home but when there’s a prey animal to chase, your dog won’t be a cuddly pet anymore.”

Sergeant Chris Wilkinson from our Rural Crime Team has issued an important warning to dog owners walking their pets in Derbyshire and beyond, as the county sees devastating incidents of dogs worrying sheep.

Sgt Wilkinson continued: “Unfortunately, we have continued to see incidents where out of control dogs kill, or chase and injure sheep to the point where farmers have had no choice but to put the animal down.

“As a dog owner, you must make sure your dog is under control around livestock. If you can’t confirm there isn’t livestock nearby, whether it be in another field or on the other side of a hedge, use a lead or make sure your pet is under close control.”

Last year, as part of Operation Recall, we teamed up with a local farmer and dog trainer to explain the impact that livestock worrying can have. This video can be viewed on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WY0IepFlqgQ

Sgt Wilkinson said: “Recent incidents have been traumatic for all involved, farmers have lost livestock and owners have lost their pets.

“Nobody wants to see the consequences of livestock worrying, so please protect livestock and protect your dog by keeping it under close control.”