Hampshire police have said dogs can be shot by farmers during sheep attacks as they issue a warning to owners.

With the lambing season coming up in a few months' time, sheep across the county will be bearing lambs.

Police are urging people to take care now to make sure they are not disturbing pregnant ewes.

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In the worst case scenario, should a dog attack a sheep, then the farmer has the legal right to shoot the dog to end the attack, police said.

A police spokesman said: "It is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock.

"We want owners to be aware that in such instances, the owner or person in control of the dog can be prosecuted, and the dog can by shot by the farmer to end an attack."

It comes as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed it received 'regular reports' of livestock worrying involving dogs off leads.

The spokesman explained what livestock worrying is: "Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with sheep, which can result in significant injury or suffering and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved.

"This also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs."

The criminal offence falls under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

The spokesman continued: "We recognise that the majority of dog owners walk their dogs in a responsible manner, but unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk."

The police gave some advice to help keep sheep safe during this lambing season.

If you come across a sheep on its back, try to roll it over and raise the alarm with the farmer if this is possible.

They said it was 'so important' to keep dogs either on leads or under close control around livestock.

If you are walking your dog in a field and there is no livestock, keep the dog in sight at all times, be aware of what it is doing, and be confident it will return to you promptly on command.

If you cannot be confident of this, the dog should not be off the lead.

Make sure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.