Farmers can shoot dogs for worrying sheep as West Yorkshire Council issues order for dogs on leads

It is to protect wildlife during ground nesting season and livestock such as sheep during lambing season.

In the Bradford region, there is also a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which requires dogs to be put on a lead if requested by a council officer, and a fixed penalty can be issued on refusal.

This covers open spaces in the Bradford district including Ilkley and Burley Moor.

The legislations are in place to protect ground nesting birds such as curlew, lapwing and skylark during the UK ground-nesting season, which is March to July, and also to protect livestock, such as sheep during lambing season, which can run up to as late as June.

The government says that a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock.

The owner of Bingley and Burley Moor, said: “Locally we’re aware of at least three sheep being lost recently due to people not keeping their dogs under control. The distress and exhaustion from being chased can cause pregnant animals to miscarry or die, even if a dog does not make any contact with livestock.

"Young lambs can also become separated from their mothers which can lead to them becoming orphaned. We are urging anyone walking in the countryside to not ignore the signs and follow the Countryside Code”

This comes after a spate of other incidents where dogs have attacked sheep and just this week North Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal for witnesses and information following an incident at Rainton, near Harrogate.

A police spokesperson said that at around 11.20am on Wednesday April 26, a large German Shepherd dog was seen in a field, attacking sheep.

The dog was chased away from the field, but two ewes and a lamb had been attacked and the lamb died from its injuries.

They are now looking for the dog owner.

Danny Jackson from Bradford Council’s Countryside and Rights of Way team, said: “It’s great to see so many people enjoying our beautiful natural areas across the district, including our moorland and we are urging everyone to follow the Countryside Code.

“Dogs are naturally inquisitive, but this can lead to real problems, especially from February to the end of summer, when many species are breeding.

"It’s not only the impact on ground-nesting birds, but dogs roaming free can disturb other wildlife including amphibians and mammals, as well as grazing livestock. Please stick to the Countryside Code and walk your dog responsibly.”