Dyfed-Powys Police has issued a reminder to dog owners during lambing season.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Sheep worrying can have a long term effect on ewes as they can lose pregnancies as a result of stress. This obviously has a negative impact on farmers who not only lose out financially, but it is also very upsetting.

“Sheep worrying can include dogs attacking animals physically, running after them/chasing the sheep around, especially when they are carrying lambs or there are young lambs within the flock.”

When walking dogs in rural areas, dog owners are advised about the following:

  • You must ensure a field or area has no livestock in it before letting your dog off lead. It is the law to keep your dog under control and the responsibility falls with the owner.
  • Be particularly vigilant during lambing season and always keep dogs on a lead during this time.
  • Remember where there may be no livestock in a field one day, the same location could be full of animals the next.
  • Farmers can legally shoot any dog if they believe it is the only reasonable way of stopping it worrying livestock.

Always keep your dog under control around other animals and if you see a dog on the loose worrying animals, report it to the police via:

Direct message on social media

Call: 101