MADAM, With lambing season underway Dogs Trust is reminding dog owners to be cautious and keep their dogs under close control to ensure they do not worry livestock. It is a criminal offence to allow a dog to chase or attack livestock on agricultural land and the dog only needs to be in a field with sheep to legally constitute an offence of worrying. By law, farmers are permitted to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals so prevention is key to ensure both animals remain safe.

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust Chief Executive