Police have issued a warning to pet owners after three dogs were shot after incidents with sheep.
Cheshire Police is reminding dog owners to make sure they have control of their pets over the festive season when walking in the countryside. It comes after three dogs were shot in the past month after 25 sheep were killed in four separate incidents.
Police described the incidents that unfolded as being "shocking scenes". Police are now urging pet owners to think twice before allowing their animals to run free in a rural environment.
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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.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your 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. You can also show that you care for all animals by taking the #OpRecall pledge here: https://action.naturewatch.org/take-lead-and-sign-pledge-animals and do your bit in keeping all animals safe.
“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.”
To find out more about how to keep you, your pet and farm animals safe visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code
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