POLICE are warning dog owners to keep their pets on leads after seven lambs and a ewe were killed near Letterston.

Dyfed-Powys Police’s rural crime team said: “8025 Rural Crime Team reporting seven lambs and one ewe killed in the Little Newcastle/Letterston area, near Haverfordwest.

“People are reminded that dogs are not to be off leads at any time in the countryside or left to their own devices, especially in the current climate.”

Farmers can legally shoot any dog if they believe it is the only reasonable way of stopping it worrying livestock. If your dog chases or attacks livestock you should make arrangements to contact the landowner/livestock owner.

Anyone who has information about, or wants to make a report of livestock worrying, can contact the Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion Rural Crime Team by calling 101.

Dog owners are reminded of this advice when walking in the countryside:

• Do not allow your dog to enter a field on its own and keep it under your control at all times.

• Keep your dog on a lead when crossing through fields that contain livestock.

• Stick to public right of ways.

When at home:

• Make sure you know where your dog is at all times.

• Ensure that your property is secure and that your dog cannot escape day or night.

• If you know your dog has previously chased or attacked sheep then take responsible measures to prevent it happening again.