A POSTER campaign has been launched to appeal to dog owners to be more careful following a number of attacks on sheep.

Hartlepool Council countryside officers have been notified about three incidents where sheep have been attacked by dogs, one of which resulted in the death of a sheep.

The authority and Cleveland Police joined forces to erect notices on footpaths and walkways near farms following a number of similar incidents.

Chris Scaife, the council's countryside access officer, said: “It is not a pleasant situation when livestock is killed and it can be prevented very easily.

“We would like to remind dog owners that they must take responsibility for their pets and it is important that they keep their dogs on a lead at all times in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.

“Farmers do have the right to shoot loose dogs that are attacking or chasing livestock without being liable to compensate the dog’s owner.”

Cath Jones, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with Cleveland Police, added: “Incidents of this nature are very rare but nevertheless they are very disturbing and we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent them."

Anyone with information about dogs not being kept on a lead that could be threatening livestock can call the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.