DOG owners are being asked to to be mindful of sheep and keep their dogs on leads around livestock, as lambing season approaches.
Local rural areas such as Burton Dassett Hills have seen an increase in dogs worrying sheep belonging to local farmers.
Being chased by dogs can cause serious harm to sheep. Even if the dog doesn’t catch them, the stress can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs.
If a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence – and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.
It is thought that this year there could be a greater impact due to the rise in the number of people getting dogs during the past year, and more people taking their dogs out for walks during lockdown.
To help tackle this issue, signs will be put up at Burton Dassett Hills to remind dog owners of their responsibilities in helping protect livestock from harm.
Warwickshire County Council’s environment spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “We are all lucky to live in a part of the country with great access to beauty spots where we can go for long walks with our dogs. However, we all have a part to play in protecting livestock at this time of year and ensure no harm comes to them because of harassment by dogs.
“By keeping dogs on leads when livestock are near, we can help local farmers protect their sheep as we head into lambing season.”
Visit https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/burtondassett for more information about Burton Dassett Hills.
