Owners asked to keep dogs on leads near livestock

An animal welfare charity is asking dog owners to keep their pets on leads around livestock.

The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) issued the request after receiving reports of dogs chasing farm animals.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said livestock worrying could result in larger animals being hurt as they tried to escape the threat.

He said larger farm animals that had fled their fields in fright also posed a risk to drivers and pedestrians.

He said: "We have recent reports of dogs off lead causing issues and chasing farm animals, and even a possible death of a sheep due to this recently, which is very worrying for their welfare and safety.

"Farm animals, especially the larger species, can, if scared, break out of fields, causing a risk to themselves and others."

He said islanders could report any loose farm animals by calling the 24-hour GSPCA emergency phone number 01481 257261.

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