DARTMOOR Livestock Protection Society wants to remind dog walkers that lambing season has started and to keep dogs under close control while out on the moor after a new born lamb was killed at the weekend.

Livestock protection officer for the society Karla McKechnie said: ‘April marks the beginning of lambing season and every year we have a problem with anti-social dogs and irresponsible dog owners. A newly born lamb was killed on Roborough Down by a dog on Sunday.

‘But it doesn’t just affect livestock, it affects ground nesting birds like meadow pippets, skylarks, cuckoos, lapwings and golden plovers — we are seeing a big decline in these on Dartmoor and it’s a real shame.

‘We think the new microchipping law might help to make a difference because if a dog is caught we would have known exactly who it belongs to.

‘If you are walking on the moor, please put your dog on a lead. The injuries we see to lambs and sheep are horrific.

‘It’s a really sensitive time for farmers and these incidents cause financial and emotional strain. Farmers have now started taking pregnant sheep off the moors because of this problem.

‘Areas are being monitored and people will be caught and prosecuted.’

Karla said if anyone sees any injured livestock to call her on 07873 587561 so they can get the farmer to the injured animal as soon as possible and allow the best chance of being able to save it.