Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team urge dog owners to keep control of their dogs over the festive period

Police are reminding dog owners to make sure they have control over their dogs when they are walking in the countryside over the festive period.

Despite advice being given to keep dogs on leads - over the past month, 25 sheep have been killed in four separate incidents and three dogs have been shot because of the unfolding shocking scenes.

As Christmas approaches, families will be visiting this county, and some Cheshire residents will be visiting family across the country.

Officers from the Rural Crime Team are urging dog owners, whether they know their rural environment well or not, to keep dogs on a lead to prevent more livestock deaths – especially if you are in unfamiliar territory.