DOG owners are being urged to take care when walking their canine chums during lambing season on the Quantock Hills.

Quantock Hills AONB rangers, farmers and police are highlighting the problems dogs can cause to livestock on the hills at this time of year.

From the beginning of March until the end of July, when sheep and lambs are at their most vulnerable, dog owners are required by law to keep their dogs on a lead when walking across Open Access Land.

Owen Jones, Quantock Hills AONB ranger said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all dog owners to please keep their dogs on leads when walking close to lambs or sheep.

"Even if lambs are not present in a flock, the ewes may well be in lamb and a dog chasing them could cause them to abort.”

“There have been many times when Quantock Rangers have had to deal with the aftermath of dog attacks on sheep and in all cases I believe they could have been easily avoided - it’s never easy visiting a farmer to tell them that their livestock has been injured or killed.”

Keeping dogs on a lead also means ground nesting birds can be protected, as when dogs run through the undergrowth they flush birds such as nightjars and skylarks out of their nests and may cause them to abandon them.

Mr Jones added: "If your dog does kill or cause harm to livestock, you can be liable for a significant fine and for the value of the livestock harmed - your pet may also be dispatched, the cost of which will also have to be borne by you.

"Moreover, if your dog is actually seen in action harassing livestock it could be shot on sight."

If you actually witness an attack in progress, call 999 otherwise any incidents witnessed should be reported to the Police on 101 or directly to the Quantock Hills AONB Office on 01823 451884.