A WATER company has warned owners to keep their dogs on leads whilst using their land.

Yorkshire Water issued the warning as a reminder to dog owners that livestock worrying causes 'extreme distress' to sheep when chased.

The water company said it wanted to ensure that domestic pets did not contravene the Protection of Livestock act 1953, which means the owner of a dog, which has chased farmland livestock, can be prosecuted and also fined.

Alastair Harvey, recreation advisor at Yorkshire Water said: “We welcome dog walkers onto our land and indeed reservoirs are popular spots to take a dog for a circular walk.

"All we are asking is that they are kept on their lead at all times to prevent any potential devastation to livestock and farmers livelihoods.

"It is amazing the transformation in some dogs’ behaviour when they get sight of sheep so it’s important they are kept under control.”

In April, the Country Land and Business Association in the North of England warned against livestock worrying across North Yorkshire.

The water firm recently announced that over the last five years, it had also spent thousands of pounds in keeping paths, picnic sites and car parks clean from dog waste.

Mr Harvey added: "Again, we would like to emphasise that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but we remind all dog owners to please scoop up after your dog and dispose of the bag in a bin.

"This not only helps keep our pathways looking pristine, but reduces the risk of the transfer of diseases to humans and livestock.”