Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets under control to prevent sheep miscarrying during lambing season.

Kent Police has revealed it receives around six reports of ‘sheep-worrying’ each month which can lead to huge financial losses for farmers.

Farmers can shoot and kill dogs if the animals cause distress to flocks and pet owners can also be prosecuted if their dogs are let off their leads while in a field or enclosed space with sheep present.

Three sheep were killed and 42 were injured by dogs which entered a farmer’s field in Shorne near Gravesend last September.

Police Constable Michael Laidlow of the Kent Police Rural Task Force said: “As we enter the lambing season it is especially important people know what can happen if their dogs run loose and kill or injure livestock.

“Sheep represent a farmer’s income and are often worth a substantial sum. If attacked, the veterinary bills farmers face can leave them substantially out of pocket.

“If sheep worrying is proved it can mean the dog owner or person in charge being sued for damages to recompense that loss.

“By ensuring dogs are kept under control when sheep or other livestock are present, owners can significantly reduce the chances of any of the animals involved coming to harm.”

Anyone who witnesses sheep being chased or attacked should call 999.

Sheep worrying facts

• Under the Animals Act 1971, a person acting to protect livestock can kill or injure a dog they reasonably believe is worrying the sheep.

• As a dog owner or a person for the time being in charge of a dog, you could be committing an offence if your pet worries livestock on agricultural land.

• Worrying includes attacking or chasing livestock in a way that might reasonably be expected to cause injury, suffering or loss.

Have you been affected by sheep worrying in the in Bexley or north Kent? Call 01689 885 721 or email hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk