FARMERS are calling for dogs to be kept on leads around livestock after a pregnant cow suffered a 'heartbreaking' death - falling 40 feet after being reportedly chased by two dogs.

Gladys, a four-year-old, heavily pregnant, highland cow was killed as a result of being chased by two dogs at the Eggardon Hill farm, near Askerswell.

The cow was chased by two off-lead dogs, believed to be labradors, and in her panic ran off the edge of the farm's ramparts - suffering a 40ft fall and breaking her neck. When the farmer found Gladys in the morning on Thursday, May 27, both she and her unborn calf were dead.

The farmer, Cameron Farquharson, and his family have since made appeals online for residents to keep their dogs on a lead whilst around livestock.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The four-year-old pregnant cow suffered a 40 feet fall after reportedly being chased by two dogs Picture: Isobel Farquharson The four-year-old pregnant cow suffered a 40 feet fall after reportedly being chased by two dogs Picture: Isobel Farquharson

His daughter, Isobel, said: "It's been very distressing for us all. We work so hard to raise our animals, and we do form a bond with them. They all have characters and personalities.

"We're such a small farm and every life counts for us. It's heartbreaking really.

"Gladys always found dogs stressful, she knows the farm very well and she would never go over the hill unless she was being chased.

“We constantly repeat ourselves but people need to be responsible with their dogs. It doesn’t matter the size or their nature, they will chase if off lead."

She added: "Of course dogs need to be able to run but there is a time and a place for it."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Cameron Farquharson with Gladys in 2020 Picture: Isobel Farquharson Cameron Farquharson with Gladys in 2020 Picture: Isobel Farquharson

The family believe Gladys would be valued around £1,600 and the unborn calf could have been worth up to £900 eight or nine months down the line.

Nothing was reported to the family on the evening of the incident.

Isobel added: "She may not have even have died straight away she may have been suffering all night or maybe her calf could have been saved.

“We would have still been upset, but we’d rather be able to save one life out of the situation.

"People need to read the signs and take this seriously and keep their dogs on a lead around livestock. Farmers are constantly complaining about it but nothing ever seems to change."

It is a criminal offence for a dog to be off a lead or not otherwise under close control in a field of livestock.

The farming community are urged to report these crimes to the police on 999 if in progress, or by calling 101 if there is evidence at the scene. For all other reports, email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or online at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/