DOG owners are being urged to keep their pets on leads as lambing season begins.

Dorset Police have issued the warning a number of incidents of sheep worrying have been reported in the Weymouth areas.

With lambing season starting officers have released posters with graphic images of a sheep that had been injured by a dog.

It is hoped the images will shock dog owners into realising the seriousness of sheep worrying and to keep their dogs on leads and under control when walking through sheep fields.

Officers said that sheep worrying is a criminal offence and land owners can legally shoot a dog if they believe that their livestock is at risk under the Countryside Right of Way Act and Criminal Damage Act 1971

Police Constable Rob Hammond, Dorset Police Wildlife Crime Officer, said: β€œI would urge anyone out walking to be aware of nearby livestock and to keep their dog on its lead.

β€œAt this time of year the ewes are close to, or about to, give birth and any stress could have a major impact on the welfare of the animal which in turn could cause financial loss to the farmer.”

Rural Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be distributing the posters across Dorset to raise the awareness of sheep worrying to local dog owners.

Farmers and landowners can get ore advice and information by calling their local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.