A FARMER and a dog owner have reached an agreement out of court after six sheep were injured by a canine.

Police reported that a dog was seen walking away from a field of livestock in the east Dorset area between 6.30am and 7am on August 3.

Six sheep were injured and required medical attention. The dog was identified and the matter handled by Dorset Police.

An attack of this type is an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

Following investigation and discussions with the victim, the matter was resolved by an out of court disposal between the victim and the owner of the dog. The victim was fully supportive of this outcome, Dorset Police's rural crime team said.

PC Sebastian Haggett said: "We take offences such as this extremely seriously and officers from the Rural Crime Team carried out a proportionate investigation.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners to be responsible when walking your dog in the countryside. Keep dogs under control at all times and do not allow them to enter a field alone.

"Make sure your dog is on a lead when crossing through fields containing livestock and if you find yourself threatened by cattle, do not hold on to your dog’s lead, instead let go of the lead as the cattle will chase the dog.

"Keep to rights of way and, if your dog has previously chased or attacked livestock, take responsible measures to prevent it happening again.”

To report an incident of livestock worrying, use the Dorset Police website dorset.police.uk/do-it-online email us at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or to report a crime in progress or risk to life, call 999.