DOG walkers are being warned to keep their dogs on short leads in areas where there might be livestock following incidents of ewes aborting their lambs.

PCSO Rachel Lonsdale, of Briercliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team, in Burnley, said in past years there had been numerous dog attacks during spring, with dead sheep and lambs being found in fields.

She said: “Please make sure you keep full control of dogs at all times by keeping them on a short lead, and only use designated public footpaths that cross fields.

“A farmer has a right to deal with dogs not under control where there is livestock being worried. Where farmers witness this happening they should ring 999 and/or deal with the dog as in accordance with the law. Worrying livestock need not be a full attack. It can be as simple as a dog off a lead.”