DOG owners are once again being warned to keep their pets under control after a recent spate of attacks on sheep across East Lancashire.

The warning comes after a number of farmers reported incidents in Colne, Blackburn and the Ribble Valley, with the most recent leaving a sheep savaged in the Trawden area.

The farmer who owns the sheep contacted police after the attack, who have now issued a warning to dog owners urging them to be more respectful. 

PC Nigel Keates, who has been dealing with some of the incidents, said: “We are tackling these incidents head on and we want people to know that it’s something we’re taking very seriously.

“We’re not just seeing the issue of sheep being attacked and killed by dogs, but just letting your dog run around open land can cause extreme sheep-worrying. 

“This is something people don’t always take seriously but if a sheep is given a fright they can very quickly fade away and die.

“Most farmers do not mind dog walkers on their land, however please show them some respect.”

Earlier on in the year two people were caught after the same Trawden farmer reported similar incidents. 

Both individuals involved facing serious consequences, with one man having to rehome his dog so that it was taken out of the area. 

Despite the most recent incident taking place in Trawden, PC Keates said thatas recently as last week two separate events involving a stray dog resulted in a canine being captured by the dog warden. 

He said: “This is a problem we’re seeing all over East Lancashire.”

A National Farmers Union spokesman said: “Walkers are advised to keep dogs on a lead around livestock, but be prepared to release their dog if approached by cattle.

“Owners are also urged to keep their dogs wormed and to bag and bin mess from their dogs as this can spread harmful parasites to sheep and cattle.”