Dog owners offered sheep safety course by farmer

A sheep farmer is offering safety courses to dog owners as he prepares to release young livestock into his fields.

Tobin Bird from Woodside Farm near Benenden, Kent, began the courses after suffering losses through dog attacks.

The training discourages dogs from worrying sheep by making them associate loud noises with the animals.

Mr Bird is also urging owners to keep pets on leads while in the countryside.

In 2023 Mr Bird helped train about 500 pets.

He introduces them to a pen of sheep, while loudly rattling a bottle.

"By the end of the session the majority just want to avoid the livestock," he said.