Tavistock Police have issued a fresh plea to dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads, noting that they have had eight reports of sheep worrying by dogs in West Devon already this year.

This is much higher than other areas of Devon and Cornwall, partly due to the number of walkers using Dartmoor where the livestock are free to roam. The ones reported to the police are not the whole story, as many come only come to light when a farmer finds a carcase.

‘Please ensure you take care when out with your dogs and ensure they are always fully under your control,’ said a member of the Tavistock policing team.