Over recent weeks, Wilshire police have seen an increase in the number of reports of sheep being attacked by dogs. We're asking the public that when out enjoying the countryside that you are vigilant and respectful of sheep within fields. At this time of year, we are mid lamming season and there will be many young vulnerable lambs and pregnant youth grazing in the fields. These sheep are very susceptible to stress and being chased by a dog can cause youth to abort their young. To avoid any unnecessary loss to livestock and the potential outcome that as a dog owner you commit a criminal offense, check the field before you enter. Keep your dogs on leads and keep them under control at all times. Your dog might not have a chase instinct, but just the mere presence can cause sheep to scare and run. Also, you cannot be absolutely sure that any animal will not do what it's instinctive to them. We don't want anyone to be in a situation where your dog has attacked a sheep. Although the majority of these attacks have not been malicious, they come at high cost to the farmer. Even if you think your dog is just playing and trying to be friendly, the sheep will still become distressed and due to this can abort which causes unnecessary suffering. The impact on the farmer is not only financial but emotional too. Farmers spend many hours caring and tending to their stock. And when one is attacked and killed or left with traumatic injuries, this causes enormous distress and upset. If you witness an instant of livestock worrying in progress, please call 999 and or report on 101 or the force website. Thank you.