As we are now in lambing season please could all local dog owners keep their dogs on a lead and keep to footpaths. In January five dogs were shot by farmers in south Warwickshire for worrying sheep.

PC Mike Barnett of Warwickshire police said:

“We are at the very beginning of lambing season and we are already starting to have problems with dogs. Farmers are within their rights to shoot dogs worrying sheep on their land.

To lose sheep and unborn lambs has a big effect on farmers’ livelihoods. To lose a loved pet causes huge upset for dog owners too.

All is takes to avoid this distress is to keep dogs on leads and make sure they cannot get out and run loose.”