A CAMPAIGN to make people more aware of the dangers of allowing your dog to be out of control has been launched by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. The new scheme 'Paws on Dartmoor' is to promote responsible access to the countryside for those using the Dartmoor National Park to walk their dogs. The campaign has been developed in response to the increasing number of incidents involving uncontrolled dogs and livestock, but also provides advice to dog owners on canine health issues associated with taking dogs on Dartmoor. Since January there have been a recorded 36 dog attacks and last year there were 84. Karla McKechnie, livestock protection officer for the commoners' council and Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, said: 'We want people to get the message that irresponsible dog owners are not welcome on the moors. 'If there is a flock of sheep keep your dogs on a lead, there is no excuse that your dog needs to run loose. 'The injuries these sheep receive is horrendous. 'A bit more care and consideration is all that is needed. If it wasn't for farmers and grazing animals you would not have a moor to enjoy; we would have a vast wilderness full of bracken and gorse. 'The minority are ruining it for the majority.' A spokesperson for Dartmoor National Park Authority said: 'There are problem areas across the National Park with attacks on livestock. 'We do have problems where people don't keep their dogs under control and Roborough is part of that due to the high usage. 'We are not just wagging our finger at dog owners, we are trying to encourage people and promote responsible dog ownership, public health, and also making sure your dog is healthy.' Many visitors and local residents exercise their dogs when enjoying Dartmoor. Although a dog many not be actively chasing livestock, its presence can still cause disturbance. Officers from the National Park have said that during the lambing season pregnant ewes are vulnerable — a frightened animal may abort or abandon its young. Key messages of the campaign are to always keep your dog under control, regular worming of your dog keeps it healthy and protects Dartmoor's livestock, and to clear up after your dog and dispose of poo bags responsibly. It also warns that if your dog is caught chasing sheep or cattle, then a farmer is entitled to shoot the dog. If anyone witnesses any disturbance of livestock or interference by dogs call the livestock protection officer on 07873 587561 or call police on 101.