A WARNING has been issued to dog owners regarding the safety of livestock in Dorset.

Police have warned dog owners about the dangers of sheep worrying on any agricultural land, which leads to the dog chasing, attacking or injuring livestock.

Whether it is the owner or someone walking the dog on behalf of the owner, the owner of the dog is guilty of an offence under the Protection of Livestock Act 1953.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "It is a criminal offences to allow your dog to chase, bite or injure livestock.

"Allowing a dog to be off a lead or otherwise not under control in a field or enclosure of sheep is an offence. The penalty for livestock worrying can be six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £1,000.

"In extreme cases, farmers have the legal right to shoot a dog that is worrying livestock to protect their property, or the dog could be subject to a court to be 'destroyed'."

To report to police, contact 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.