Dartmoor rangers are urging dog owners to keep their dogs on leads while out walking to prevent livestock worrying.

It comes after an 'unusually high' number of dog attacks for this time of year.

Keeping your dog on its lead while on the moor can help protect newborn livestock and breeding birds, according to the rangers.

Pregnant ewes, cows and ponies are also grazing the land, with newborn lambs 'particularly vulnerable'.

'Dogs don't need to chase animals for them to become scared or stressed'

Even if dogs don't chase the animals, they can still reportedly become scared or stressed by their presence, causing them to abort or abandon their young.

Ranger Team Manager Simon Lee said: "It's a fantastic time to visit Dartmoor; everything is bursting into life and the weather is generally milder, but it's also a busy time for the animals and birds which call Dartmoor home too.

"Wherever you want to go, it's a really good idea to keep your dog on a short lead, especially around livestock."

How many incidents so far?

According to figures from the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, there have been 17 incidents so far this year.

In 2021, there was a total of 108 – the highest since 2018.

Livestock Protection Officer, Karla McKechnie, who is on call to deal with incidents of sheep worrying, dog attacks, casualties from road traffic accidents and livestock in distress on Dartmoor, said: "There's no excuse for dogs not being under control and it's not ok to leave animals suffering.

"If anyone sees a dog worrying animals, we'd encourage them to report it straight away."

Livestock worrying is a crime. You can call 07873 587561 to report an incident, or police on 101.

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