Dog walkers are being warned to keep their animals under control and away from sheep and lambs if they want to avoid farmers legitimately killing them.

Over the last couple of weeks, police in Burnley have received numerous reports from farmers and land-owners in the area who are growing concerned for their livestock.

They say people have been walking their dogs across farmland and open areas, and have witnessed several dogs scaring and worrying the animals.

Burnley and Padiham Geographic Inspector, Insp Damian Pemberton said: "Whilst people are entitled to walk their dogs on land that they have legitimate access to, we would like to remind people that it is an offence for dogs to be out of their owners' control.

"If a dog does attack or worry livestock then their owners commit the offence of criminal damage.

"It is currently lambing season and dogs chasing sheep will cause the sheep to miscarry their young very easily.

"Farmers, landowners and livestock owners will legitimately destroy dogs that are attacking and worrying livestock on their land in some circumstances, so please be warned.

"Please check the area where you walk does have public right of way and keep your dogs under control and away from livestock."

The areas highlighted to the police which are of particular concern are sites around Gambleside, Whitehill, Limey Lane and more prevalently, the Crown Point area.