DOG owners have once again been warned to keep a close eye on their pets while out walking on Dartmoor, especially during lambing season.

The warning has come after an incident at Merrivale on Bank Holiday Monday which saw two large dogs loose with no owner and no collars, worrying a flock of sheep.

Karla McKechnie, livestock protection officer for Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, described the dogs as being a black Alsatian cross and a male malamute: 'They had no collars on and witnesses managed to hold the malamute and a passer-by took the black Alsatian to the farm.'

One sheep was reported as injured while the flock were worried and chased across the road.

'This is a stark reminder that this should not be going on. It is not acceptable to have dogs, especially these breeds, loose on the moors.'

The incident was reported as taking place between 10.30am and 11am.