Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are in place to protect ground-nesting birds like curlew, lapwing and UK ground-nesting season (March-July), and sheep during the lambing season can run up to as late as June.

Just a few weeks ago, there were dog attacks in the Whitby area of North Yorkshire, where a number of sheep and lambs were attacked.

These attacks are avoidable and unnecessary if dog owners follow the Countryside Code and keep their dogs on a lead.

The Countryside Code states that: You control your dog so it doesn’t scare or disturb farm animals or wildlife. When using the new access rights over open country and common land, you must keep your dog on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July – and all year round near farm animals.

It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as: in a public place. In a private place, for example, a neighbour’s house or garden. In the owner’s home.

Please use common sense when out with your pet in the countryside. It could end up being an expensive day out for you if your pet attacks livestock.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.