The summer months bring more walkers out into the countryside, with the risk of livestock worrying from dogs. Arthur Denton, member services advisor for south west insurer Cornish Mutual, gives his advice to farmers.

The effects of livestock worrying can be far reaching. Not only can animals be killed or injured, they can become frightened of other dogs, causing issues for farmers who rely on working dogs.

Cornish Mutual advises farmers to first of all consider three options to reduce the risk of sheep worrying:

1. Remove livestock from rights of way

Can you move livestock into fields away from public footpaths? While this can be the best way of preventing sheep worrying, it is not possible on some farms, for example when sheep are grazing on open moorland.

2. Request signage

Farmers can request official signage from their local Police to tell the public that there is livestock on their land.

3. Separate off footpaths from livestock

If you have a public right of way through a field where livestock is grazing, you could consider separating off the footpath. This may involve erecting a fence, if the footpath runs along the edge of the field. Other farmers simply put up way marking signs to encourage walkers to stick to footpaths.

Even with measures in place, things can still go wrong. It is important that farmers report any livestock worrying incidents to the police and, ideally, to the dog owner.