Police have issued a warning to dog owners to ensure their pets are on a lead near livestock amid an increase of sheep worrying incidents and attacks.

September is one of the months where there has been a general rise in incidents.

There has been a number of incidents in west Dorset in the past where dogs have attacked cows and sheep.

Wildlife crime officers are asking dog owners to be responsible when out enjoying the countryside.

The penalty for livestock worrying can be six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000.

Last week there was an incident in the Yetminster area.

Two dogs described as a brown and white spaniel and a larger darker dog with pointed ears were observed worrying sheep in a field around 3.45pm last Thursday.

A spokesman for Sherborne Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Fortunately, a dog belonging to the owner of the sheep chased the other dogs away before they could do any harm.

"Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under the Protection of Livestock Act 1953 and does not require an animal to be injured.

"Allowing a dog to be off a lead or otherwise not under close control in a field or enclosure of sheep is an offence. The penalty for livestock worrying can be six months' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000."