Warning to dog owners as police have to clear flock of sheep from garden

Officers were called to the home in Gorefield, near Wisbech, this week following the incident.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: "We were in Gorefield earlier to round up a flock of sheep that had sought refuge in a garden. They’d been chased out of their field by a dog that was off a lead. Fortunately no sheep were injured.

"It is really important to keep dogs under proper control at all times, even in a rural setting. It is an offence to worry livestock - the owner of the dog has been identified and words of advice given."

Last month Northamptonshire police warned pet owners of the need to keep pets on leads while around livestock after sheep were attacked near Oundle

MORE: Graphic images: Police warn dog owners to keep pets on leads after sheep attacksThe incident took place between 9am and 6pm on Monday, September 28, when a dog attacked sheep in a field in Barnwell Road, Thurning near Oundle – killing one and injuring several more.

Tips for safe and responsible dog walking around livestock:

• Keep dogs on a lead and under control when walking through fields of livestock

• Always stick to public rights of way and leave all gates as you found them

• If you live beside land where livestock is grazed ensure you know where your dog is at all times, and keep your property secure so your dog cannot escape

• Cows can be curious and may follow walkers. If this happens, keep facing the animal and move calmly and slowly, don’t turn your back to it or run

• Steer well clear of young animals and do not try to pet them. Cows and calves will be protective and may become aggressive

• If you feel threatened by cattle when with a dog, let go of the lead so you and the dog can get to safety separately

• Dog owners MUST bag and bin their dog’s poo - it carries a parasite called Neospora which causes abortions in animals and the bags left on the ground can be ingested and cause slow painful deaths, or bailed into silage and eaten that way

Incidents of livestock worrying should be reported online to the police or by calling the non-emergency 101 number. If the dog is in the process of worrying livestock and cannot be stopped, please call 999.

Anyone who shoots a dog to prevent livestock worrying must notify the police within 48 hours.