Dog owner fined over attack on rare sheep

A dog owner has been ordered to pay around £1,000 in veterinary fees for a rare breed Shetland sheep following a dog attack, police said.

Dorset Police said officers were called to a report of an attack on land at Church Knowle, on the Isle of Purbeck, on 19 April, which resulted in injuries to the sheep.

The woman was issued with a conditional caution, including payment of the veterinary fees and adherence to a Dog Behaviour Order.

The force reminded dog owners "to act responsibly around livestock" at the time of year when "many ewes are in lamb and are especially vulnerable".

Dog owners could see their pets taken away under the laws designed to better protect farm animals from attacks in England and Wales.

The police advise owners to keep dogs on leads when near livestock, stay vigilant in rural areas and "respect farmers and their animals".

"Attacks like this can cause significant harm, distress, and financial loss," it added.