Festive warning for dog walkers after three pets shot dead

Three dogs have been shot dead in Cheshire in the last month after attacking lifestock while off the leash. A total of 25 sheep were killed.

Now police in the county are urging dog owners to make sure they have control over their dogs when walking in the countryside over the festive season. The sheep killed over the last month died in four separate incidents.

The dogs were all shot by farmers and all of the incidents were in the Macclesfield area. Officers from the Rural Crime Team are urging dog owners, whether they know their rural environment well or not, to keep dogs on a lead to prevent more livestock deaths – especially if they are in unfamiliar territory.

PC Jim Clark said: “It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep. Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your dog. This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog’s actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.

“I’d simply urge owners - no matter how reliable you think your dogs are - keep dogs on a lead near livestock. You can also show that you care for all animals by taking the #OpRecall pledge here: https://action.naturewatch.org/take-lead-and-sign-pledge-animals and do your bit in keeping all animals safe.

“We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at