A campaign has been launched to educate dog walkers after a series of disturbing attacks on sheep.
Wiltshire Police, along with Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, are hoping to educate those dog owners who think that they have "total control" of their pets.
This comes after several incidents in which livestock have been mauled or chased by dogs.
One of the most distressing cases occurred in Fonthill Bishop where a pregnant ewe was attacked by two dogs, resulting in the loss of the ewe and her unborn lamb.
Read more: Bid to save beloved £750k Chippenham farm falls short
Mr Wilkinson said: "The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and know to keep their dogs on a lead when walking through fields with livestock.
"However, there are a small minority who wrongly believe they have total control of their animals when they’re off the lead.
"This can cause the tragic circumstances which we have seen in Fonthill Bishop and in other parts of the county."
Lambing season, which ends in April, sees many new lambs in fields across Wiltshire.
With this in mind, Wiltshire Police's rural crime team are keen to ensure the safety of the county's livestock.
PC Victoria Howick, from the rural crime team, said: "Your dog might not have a chase instinct, but just the mere presence of a dog can cause sheep to scare and run.
"Even if you think your dog is just playing and being friendly, the sheep can still become distressed and abort their pregnancy, which causes unnecessary suffering."
The impact of these attacks is not just physical, but emotional too for the farmers, who suffer not only financially, but emotionally as well.
The police have issued advice for dog walkers, asking them to keep their dogs on a lead, even if they cannot see any livestock.
Dog owners are also urged to ensure they have good control of their dog, bring treats to keep them focused, respect all signage about livestock, and stick to designated footpaths.
Read more: Aldi advises Wiltshire shoppers on quietest Easter times
Mr Wilkinson added: "I’ve spoken to farmers who have lost sheep to dog attacks, and the distress caused by finding an animal which has been killed in such a way leaves a lasting effect.
"I would simply ask all dog owners to follow the advice of the rural crime team and keep their animals on a short lead when walking through fields with livestock."
If anyone witnesses a dog attacking or chasing livestock, they are advised to call 999.
They are also reminded to ensure they clean up after their dogs, as faeces can cause harm to livestock.
Share