Dog owners urged to protect lambs in countryside

A national park has reminded people to keep their dogs on a lead in the countryside after two sheep were killed in a suspected dog attack.

The Exmoor National Park Authority in Somerset said dogs should always be under "close control" when they are being walked close to animals.

They added that especially in the spring, sheep might be pregnant and more vulnerable than usual.

"We have unfortunately had a couple of sheep killed over the last few days by a loose dog," Dan Barnett, at the Exmoor National Park Authority, said.

Mr Barnett added: "Dogs should always be under close control. That means they come back immediately when they're called and they stay with you within a few metres.

"If you can't do that a dog should be on a lead when you're out in the countryside."

Tim Parish, who has been a ranger at Exmoor National Park for more than 20 years, said: "We have a shed full of expecting mothers who will be out with their new lambs in the fields on Exmoor.

"What is so so important is that if you are out with your dog, please keep it on a lead," he explained.

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