DOG owners in the Cotswolds are being urged to take extra care when walking their pets near livestock.

Livestock worrying from dogs is a real fear for farmers and is of a particular concern in lambing season when the result of this behaviour can result in ewe's aborting their young or dying from injuries sustained from an attack.

Rural beat officer for the South Cotswolds, PC Jon Palfrey, said: "Although most dog owners are responsible there are still some out there who allow their dogs off their leads near livestock or allow them to wander away by themselves from the garden.

"This can distress the animals and in some cases sheep have been known to abort their lambs or die because of injuries caused by an attack.

"This issue is taken seriously by the constabulary and its partner agencies as the welfare of the animals and people's livelihood is at stake."

He added: "There is legislation to support livestock owners and this legislation includes the right to shoot a dog worrying livestock.

"However, this is an option that everybody would like to avoid and the simplest solution to this problem is to keep your dog on a lead when walking it near farmland where livestock are grazing and not to let them stray."

It is a legal requirement for dogs to wear collars and tags with their owners' details on them when in a public place. Otherwise the council could pick the dog up as a stray.

The police, along with the public protection team of Cotswold District Council and the rights of way department of Gloucestershire County Council has teamed up to promote this message.

To support this, specially designed signs have been produced to put on display where livestock graze or where a complaint of livestock worrying has been made.

Last month, the Adver reported that farmer Andy Orton had seven of his sheep killed at Barbury Castle, near Swindon. He believes they were attacked by dogs.

He said the owners were letting their pets run around off the lead.

"Any dog can attack. One time I saw a woman with a Jack Russell up there," he said.

"I asked the lady if she had a lead for it and it ran right up to me and bit my hand. Even a little dog can injure a sheep."

Anybody with any concerns over sheep worrying in the Cotswolds can call the Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234.