'Dogs off the lead are huge risk to sheep'

AS the peak holiday season arrives in the West Country, farmers are issuing a fresh reminder to tourists of the risk posed by dogs to sheep grazing in the countryside.

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The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it is concerned that there could be an increase in the number of attacks on flocks as the fine and dry weather seen so far this summer encourages more people to holiday at home with their pets.

The charity, which represents the views of British sheep farmers, adds that holidaymakers and those enjoying countryside or coastal day trips are unlikely to be very familiar with the area in which they are walking, and therefore unaware that sheep and cattle could be grazing nearby.