GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are once again making a plea to dog owners to ensure they keep their pets under control.

The message follows another incident in the county where sheep have been killed by dogs not on leads near livestock.

At around midday on Friday August 23 two dogs were seen to chase the livestock on Cleeve Hill in Cheltenham, they then killed one sheep.

It is the second dog attack on sheep on this piece of land in three weeks.

PC Di Butler, said: “Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their pet under control and this incident should act as a stark reminder as to why there is legislation in place outlining that dog owners must keep their animal under close control.

“Losing their livestock can have a hugely detrimental effect on a farm owner’s livelihood. Landowners also have the right, as a last resort, to shoot any dog worrying their livestock – so these owners are also putting their beloved pet at unnecessary risk.”

“We would hate for any animal to be injured, or worse killed, when it could be so easily avoided. Whilst pet dogs are usually harmless and obedient their natural instinct is to chase other animals.

“We by no means want to stop dog walkers from enjoying the beautiful countryside our county has to offer but we do want to remind them of their responsibility to keep their pet under control when out and about.”

Information about the incident can be given to Gloucestershire Police by dialling 101 and quoting incident number 351 of August 23.