Keep your dogs under control!

Dog owners are being warned to keep their animals on a lead following a number of incidents resulting in the death of sheep.

Cheshire Police have reported several instances of ‘sheep worrying’ – dogs chasing after sheep – in rural areas surrounding Macclesfield.

Following an incident at land off Woodhouse Lane, Gawsworth, on Sunday, April 14, a sheep died and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Two lambs have also lost in a similar incident in Sutton.

Another lamb was attacked near Blakelow Road on Monday, April 15.

Cheshire Police has used Facebook to urge owners to restrain dogs saying: “Chasing by dogs can do 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, causing untold damage to fences and field boundaries in the process.”

“It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock.”

Mark Riches, a regional director of the Country Landlowners Association, said: “I would encourage owners to keep their dogs on a lead when walking through livestock and to always stick to public rights of ways. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep their dog under close control, and you should ensure that you know exactly where your dog is at all times. We are hearing the same excuses again and again, and the time has come for dog owners to act responsibly or face the consequences.