Police in Derbyshire have issued another warning to dog owners after receiving further reports of livestock being stressed by dogs not on a lead. 

Derbyshire Constabulary says if a dog worries sheep by attacking or killing them, or even chases them in a way that may cause injury, suffering or financial loss to their owner, the person in charge of that dog is guilty of an offence and the penalty is a fine of up to £1,000. 

The force says chasing by dogs can cause serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them.

The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs.

Sheep fleeing from dogs are often killed or seriously injured by their panicked attempts to escape, damaging fences and field boundaries in the process.

Dog bites can cause death in sheep, require them to be put down at a later date or result in expensive veterinary bills.

Police have also issued the following advice to dog owners: 

• If you’re walking in rural areas, keep your dog on a lead at all times especially if there are grazing sheep about.
• Keep a check on fences and gates in order to keep your garden as secure as possible to stop dogs getting out.
• Get a dog trainer to educate your dog on how to behave around sheep and other livestock.
• Having your dog’s favourite toy or ball with you when you go out may also help to stop them focusing on the sheep

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