More Covid-19 advice: Operation 'StayHome' guidance for Atherstone dog owners and walkers after sheep-worrying deaths

FAMILIES TOLD NOT TO MAKE 'UNNECESSARY JOURNEYS' TO COUNTRYSIDE DURING BUSY TIME IN FARMING CALENDAR

POLICE have urged dog owners and walkers to "be considerate" about where they go in the Atherstone countryside during Covid-19 lockdown after reports of lambs and ewes being chased and killed.

Atherstone's Rural Crime Officer Carol Cotterill sounded the #StayOpHome advisory warning as farmers' representatives pleaded with cooped-up families not use their Government-restricted once-a-day exercise to make "unnecessary journeys".

The Northern Warwickshire co-ordinator said she appreciated there were now many more people at home through the coronavirus crisis, and with the "countryside on their doorstep" they would want to take advantage of it to go walking.

But she stressed the need to be "mindful of surroundings and to be responsible", adding: "By being considerate and reducing risks at this difficult time, it will make a difference and will help to support our farmers who are working extremely hard to keep shops supplied."

Concerns have been raised by local famers and landowners about trespassing and leaving gates open while dog walkers have been accused of not keeping their animal under proper control.

The rural crime officer added: "Sadly, there have also been a number of incidents where lambs and ewes have been chased and killed after being worried by dogs."

NFU Warwickshire county adviser George Bostock said: "Farmers recognise the importance of the public rights of way network, especially at a time like this when people need to take extra care to maintain their physical and mental health, however, they should not be making unnecessary journeys.

"The health of those living and working in the countryside also has to be safeguarded and walkers need to be aware of their role in protecting rural people – this is also a busy time in the farming calendar with plenty of young lambs around and we ask dog owners to take extra precautions when walking through farmland and ensuring they are kept on a lead."

North Warwickshire police has issued a coronavirus-led set of guidelines for the countryside:

• Please remember to abide by the government guidelines on essential travel;
• Always close gates after you have opened them. As numerous people may be touching the same gates, latches and stiles, take precautions where you can and be considerate, to reduce any risks as much as possible;
• Always stick to public right of ways and do not go onto private farmland without permission;
• When using a public footpath, you and your dog(s) need to keep to the line of the path and the dog should either be on a lead or under close control;
• Do not allow your dog to enter a field on its own and keep your dog on a lead when crossing through fields that contain livestock;
• If you know your dog has previously chased or attacked sheep then take responsible measures to prevent it happening again. Dogs can seriously injure and kill sheep – and as well as the animal welfare aspect, this can have a huge impact on rural livelihoods; and
• Please always pick up after your dog and take it home or put it in the nearest bin – don't leave bags in hedges or at the side of a field.