Police are again reminding dog owners to make sure they have control over their dogs when they are walking in the Cheshire countryside.

Officers from the Rural Crime Team are warning that despite the advice being given to keep dogs on leads there are still cases of livestock worrying offences, with family dogs who have never done this before suddenly bolting and chasing sheep, which in some cases they spotted three fields away.

PC Rob Stordy said: "It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call.

"If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.

"Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.

"It's better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your dog.

"This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog's actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.

"I'd simply urge owners - no matter how reliable you think your dogs are - keep dogs on a lead near livestock.

"We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit."

To find out more about how to keep you, your pet and farm animals safe visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code