Warning of up to £1,000 fine after sheep attacked in Cumbria

Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets under control after a number of sheep were killed or injured since the start of the year.

Twelve incidents have been reported and Cumbria Police said owners of out-of-control dogs who attacked or chase farm animals faced a fine of up to £1,000.

The force also said that farmers had a legal right to shoot dogs which are endangering their livestock.

It said since 1 January, four sheep had been killed in attacks.

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall, said: "We are exceptionally lucky to live in a picturesque, rural county with plenty of walking trails that lead through the countryside.