Keep your dogs on a lead this spring say Peak District farmers
Farmers across Staffordshire and Cheshire want the public to collaborate with them to preserve the countryside
Dogs owners across Staffordshire and Cheshire are being encouraged 'be responsible' when walking their pets in the countryside this spring.
It's as this time of year often sees more livestock - like sheep & lambs - grazing in farmers' fields.
Drew Bailey - who's a farmer in the Peak District - says dog attacks on livestock happen more regularly once the weather gets warmer:
"Sometimes we do get problems with dogs off leads, which can result in distress to our livestock.
"This potentially incurs a cost to the farmer if the animal is injured or dies.
"The expense from livestock injuries can be astronomical. This can have a massive impact on the annual income of farmers.
"The public and farmers need to work collaboratively to keep the countryside going and keep it accessible for all.
"Also, the public need to work on keeping farmers happy, by respecting land and livestock."
Allowing a dog to worry or attack livestock is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
This involves any action by your dog that causes distress to the animal.