*WARNING - Graphic Image*
Dog owners are being reminded to keep their pets under control following two incidents of sheep worrying in the Forest of Dean.
In one incident in the Lower Wye Valley area of St Briavels last Wednesday (3 November) a dog was seen to be chasing sheep on farmland.
The dog, a black and white sheepdog-type breed, was not under control and the owner was not seen during the incident between 3.30pm and 4pm.
It attacked a number of the sheep and chased them - at least one sheep has died as a result.
In a separate incident in the area of Forest Vale Road in Cinderford last month a dog chased a small flock of ewes that were in an enclosure.
The enclosure has signs at access points, warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead due to livestock.
Two ewes were mauled and suffered significant bite wounds which resulted in them needing to be euthanised. Several other ewes suffered injuries from what is believed to have been a large dog.
Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer PC Cath McDay said: "Both of these incidents have happened on land near to large housing estates.
"The owners may have seen the space and felt it was an ideal place to let their dog off for a run, without realising there were sheep in there.
"This is irresponsible and you must ensure a field or area has no livestock in it before letting your dog off lead. It is the law to keep your dog under control and the responsibility falls with the owner.
"Anyone who is found to be worrying livestock can not only be prosecuted by the police, they can be fined and also have orders placed on their dog.
"This crime has a devastating impact on both the livestock and their owners."
Anyone with information is asked to submit this online by completing the following form and quoting the relevant incident number or by calling police on 101: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/
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