TWO lambs died after a sheep went into labour after being chased by a dog near Richmond.

The incident has prompted a warning from police for dog owners to behave responsibly and always keep their dogs on leads near livestock.

The distressed ewe went into labour last Saturday after being chased by a greyhound-type dog with a red jacket, in the Reeth Road area, west of Richmond.

The dog's owner left the scene and although a vet attended both of the delivered lambs died.

Sergeant Stuart Grainger urged owners to always keep their dogs on leads around sheep, particularly during the lambing season which from January to April.

Livestock attacks are a growing problem in rural communities. North Yorkshire Police is part of a five-force working group that is trying to tackle it.

Chief Constable Dave Jones said earlier this year: "We need dog owners to take responsibility for their animals - not just by putting their dogs on a lead when out walking, but by preventing them from escaping from home and causing damage to livestock.

"Above all, we need the powers to tackle this problem effectively and an overhaul of the outdated and sometimes ineffective rules surrounding livestock worrying."

Anyone with information about the Richmond incident should contact police on 101.